Japan Open 2026, Tokyo - ATP 500

[Fiero425]

Vacherot is peaking again in Asia. So fun to watch that guy. He is top 10 level when injury free.

I'm surprised he's been able to keep this up! Players upset Djokovic to win Paris like Rune & Khachanov, but didn't continue to rise as this guy!

 

[MargaretMcAleer]

Tokyo QFs



Shapo should probably have won the first set against Carlos. Carlito turns it round and Shapo retires early in the second. Vacherot edge Fils in 3.

I watched Alcaraz match, while his serve is still subpar, grinding through these service wobbles could ultimately strengthen Alcaraz's mental toughness and problem solving, even in his match against Michelsen he was broken mutliple times in opening sets
great players like Alcaraz usually find a way to turn things around and win, even if it is ugly.

 

[MargaretMcAleer]

Again Alcaraz having trouble with his first serve in his SF match against Munar who capitalized on his subpar serving landing only 58% of his first serve losing the 1st set 75. Despite Alcaraz building an early lead 5-3 in the 1st set, Munar saved SPs and won 4 straight games, showing composure.
Going 3 as Alcaraz won the 2nd set 63
Alcaraz wins 57 63 61

 

[don_fabio]

Again Alcaraz having trouble with his first serve in his SF match against Munar who capitalized on his subpar serving landing only 58% of his first serve losing the 1st set 75. Despite Alcaraz building an early lead 5-3 in the 1st set, Munar saved SPs and won 4 straight games, showing composure.
Going 3 as Alcaraz won the 2nd set 63

Some people say he changed his service motion again, hence the struggles?

 

[MargaretMcAleer]

Some people say he changed his service motion again, hence the struggles?

Hi Don,

Yes he has made small adjustments to this serve and service action due to wrist issue he uses a lower ball toss probably to improve timing and accuracy as the ball drops less quickly I have noticed for starters.

 

[britbox]

Highlights of the Semis

 

[Fiero425]

Alcaraz finished off Lehečka in Japan just a bit ago in straight sets! I didn't watch it, but surfed by periodically! IMO, he's still "hotdogging it" trying to make the highlight reels of sports shows! He needs to take it easy sometimes & just let it go! I think that's why Sinner may have to rest up the rest of the season! I think he went above & beyond pushing himself to break Djokovic's Masters' record of 5 wins in a row! He's paying for it now missing Majors & Masters events just like Carlos! Funny, commentators said by his winning of Japan Open, it's his 1st since Feb.! I guess it did happen; upsets, WD's, then ext'd brk. after surgery!

 

[britbox]

Japan Final Highlights