Carlos Alcaraz is through to the title clash in his debut at the Tokyo Open. The Spaniard will seek his eighth title of the season against world no. 5 Taylor Fritz, seeking revenge following recent Laver Cup defeat.
The American delivered a comfortable victory in San Francisco, and world no. 1 will try to turn the tables in different conditions in the Japanese capital and lift another trophy in his career-best season.
Carlos praised Taylor's current form, acknowledging the level and confidence world no. 5 has displayed in recent weeks, especially after beating him and Alexander Zverev in San Francisco.
Their upcoming Tokyo final duel will make another chapter in their growing rivalry, with both players showcasing strong tennis throughout the week. Alcaraz has shown more en route to the title clash, which does not have to be crucial.
Carlos admitted he has taken lessons from their previous encounter, intending to adjust his tactics accordingly and chase another notable win. The conditions in Tokyo differ significantly from those in San Francsico.
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Thus, that offers the Spaniard a new opportunity to impose his attacking game and continue where he left in the previous duels. Alcaraz and Fritz shared a flight from San Francisco and practiced together in Tokyo.
The Spaniard knows what to expect from his opponent and will prepare everything to challenge him. The top seed is focused and determined to grab another statement victory and extend his brilliant 2025 run.
"Taylor has played great tennis recently. He showed that at the Laver Cup against Alexander Zverev and me. He feels very confident on the court after high-profile victories. I will try to change a few things compared to our previous duel.
The speed of the court and conditions are much different than those in San Francisco. However, it will still be a challenge for me. I will try to adapt the good things I did today and change what did not work at the Laver Cup.
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Taylor has improved a lot, and we can follow his improvements daily. We flew together from the United States and did the first training in Tokyo together. It gives me a good indication of how to approach the duel," Carlos Alcaraz said.
