Carlos Alcaraz Rallies Past Munar into Japan Open Final

Defending champion Carlos Alcaraz overcame early wobbles on his serve to outclass fellow Spaniard Jaume Munar 5-7 6-3 ‌6-1 and reach the Japan Open final on Monday, taking a step towards his first singles title after his comeback from a wrist injury.

Alcaraz completed the career Grand ⁠Slam by capturing the Australian Open title in February but sustained the injury two months later, and he only returned at the US Open, where a quarter-final run hinted at a swift return to form.

The 23-year-old, who moved through the gears during Team Europe's ‌triumphant ⁠Laver Cup campaign last month, was cruising against Munar in Tokyo at 5-4 before gifting the opening set to his opponent with two shaky ⁠service games.

After a sluggish start to the next set, Alcaraz raised his level to force a decider ⁠and the seven-times major champion wore Munar down with stunning shot-making to set ⁠up a title clash with either Jiri Lehecka or Valentin Vacherot on Tuesday.