Carlos Alcaraz avenges Laver Cup loss to Taylor Fritz, takes Tokyo title

TOKYO (AP)—Top-ranked Carlos Alcaraz beat No. 5 Taylor Fritz 6-4, 6-4 in the Japan Open final on Tuesday for his eighth singles title this year.

🖥️📲THE MATCH IN 15 MINUTES: Carlos Alcaraz vs. Taylor Fritz, Tokyo final

Alcaraz's 24th career singles title was clinched with a deft, sliced drop shot winner and reversed a loss in two sets last week to Fritz at the Laver Cup team event.

The Spaniard also improved his season record to a tour-best 67-7 as he stayed on course for the season-ending No. 1 ranking.

"It's been my best season so far without a doubt," Alcaraz said. "That shows how hard I've worked just to be able to experience these moments and accomplish my goals."

Following the win, Alcaraz announced on social media that he would be pulling out of the Rolex Shanghai Masters.

"Unfortunately, I've been struggling with some physical issues and, after discussing with my team, we believe the best decision is to rest and recover," Alcaraz wrote in a statement.

"I was really looking forward to playing in front of the amazing fans in Shanghai again. I hope to be back soon and see my Chinese fans next year!"

The final in Tokyo was a ninth straight for Alcaraz since March when he lost in the round of 64 at the Miami Masters. He is 7-2 in those finals, one of them at Wimbledon to Jannik Sinner.

"I didn't start the year that good, struggling emotionally," Alcaraz acknowledged, "so how I came back from that, I'm just really proud of myself, and of all the people around me who have helped me to be in this position."

Fritz took a medical timeout after the first set for treatment on his left thigh which was strapped during a changeover in the second set.