World no 12 Carlos Alcaraz will compete in the Tokyo Open final on his debut in the Japanese capital. The world's best player faced Casper Ruud in the semi-final at Ariake Coliseum and prevailed 3-6, 6-3, 6-4 in two hours and eight minutes.
The 22-year-old is through to his tenth ATP final of the season and the ninth in a row since April. He had to work hard against the rival who made a better start, breaking his resilience in the decider.
Speaking about his victory, Carlos revealed that he spoke to himself in challenging moments, which helped him raise his level and forged his triumph.
After that little conversation with himself, Alcaraz's vision cleared and he started hitting more freely. He wasted break points in the first set but knew there would be more if he keeps a high level.
The Spaniard fired 42 winners and 33 unforced errors. He denied three of four break points and converted two of nine break chances to emerge at the top.
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The Norwegian denied two more break points in the fifth game and repeated that at 3-3, closing the game with a powerful serve and remaining on the positive side.
Alcaraz sprayed a forehand error in the eighth game, dropping serve and falling 5-3 behind. Ruud served for the set in game nine and wrapped up the first part of the duel with a service winner.
Carlos denied a break point in the first game of the second set with an ace. He attacked on the return in game two and drew the rival's mistake to forge the advantage.
World no. 1 closed the third game with aces and held at love for 4-1. The Spaniard held for 5-2 and painted an ace at 5-3 for a hold at love, introducing a decider and gaining a boost.
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Alcaraz hit a double fault in the fourth game of the decider to face break points. He saved them with winners and locked the result at 2-2 with an unreturned serve.
World no. 1 provided a break in game five after Casper's backhand error and moved in front. The Spaniard held at love in the sixth game and cemented the advantage.
Carlos closed the eighth game after a deuce with a service winner and served for the win at 5-4. He cracked a forehand down the line winner, sealing the deal and moving over the top.
"I played well. The key to a turnaround was telling myself a few things and trying to raise the level. I calmed down and kept my composure. Suddenly, I started seeing everything clearly and went for my shots.
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I wasted four break chances in the opening set and knew more opportunities would come. It was about staying focused and as strong as possible. The positive words I said to myself made the difference," Carlos Alcaraz said.
