(PRIMASPORT) TOKYO Carlos Alcaraz returns to an ATP Tour final after a six-month absence. The world number 3 defeated Jaume Munar 5-7, 7-3, 6-1 to advance to the ATP 500 final in Tokyo, scheduled for the following day. The Spaniard now awaits the winner of the Lehecka-Vacherot match to defend the title he won last season against Fritz.
The match was a good test for the Murcian tennis player, who had to overcome a difficult opening period, losing the first set to Munar after a power outage in which his opponent scored 14 consecutive points. Alcaraz, however, responded by dominating the second set and decisively winning the third, finishing the match in about two and a half hours.
This marks the 36th ATP Tour final for Alcaraz, who returns after a long layoff due to a tendon problem in his hand that had kept him out of major tournaments like Roland Garros and Wimbledon. His tournament return came at the US Open, where he lost in the quarterfinals to Ben Shelton.
Although not yet at his peak, the seven-time Grand Slam champion is gradually regaining his fitness, preparing for a promising end to the season. Among his hopes is to soon see his friend and rival Jannik Sinner back on the court. (PRIMASPORT)
