Carlos Alcaraz goes past Casper Ruud, sets Tokyo final vs. Fritz

World No.1 Carlos Alcaraz had to work hard in the Japan Open semifinal against Norway’s Casper Ruud on Monday. The Spaniard secured a 3-6, 6-3, 6-4 victory at the ATP 500 event to move into the final of the tournament.

Alcaraz had his opportunities in the first set but he failed to grab them as the Norwegian brought his best to the court. Ruud was able to get a break in the eighth game of the opening set howeve,r Alcaraz bounced back strongly in the next two sets to qualify for the final.

“I had a lot of chances in the first set,” said Alcaraz. “I had four break points if I’m not wrong. It’s just about details, so I just tried to be more positive than the first set. I was a little bit mad with myself, so I just tried to play with joy again, putting a lot of positive thoughts in my mind.”

Alcaraz will face World No.4 Taylor Fritz in the summit clash of the tournament and said the American is playing at a high level.

“I know he’s playing great tennis lately,” Alcaraz said of Fritz, who also defeated Alexander Zverev in San Francisco. “Since the Laver Cup against me, against Zverev, and here in this tournament, he’s feeling great and really comfortable on the court. Everything is different since San Francisco… But it’s another challenge for me and I’m looking forward to it.”

On the other hand, Fritz went past countryman Jenson Brooksby 6-4, 6-3 to advance to the final.

“Honestly, just by botting,” Fritz said when asked how he was able to triumph. “I served insanely well: High percentage first serves and spots too. It felt like any game that I didn’t hit three aces, he was really outplaying me from the baseline. I was able to hang in on my serve, and then capitalise on that scoreboard pressure. My serve got me through it.”

The final will be played at the Ariake Coliseum on Tuesday.