Fritz Advances to Japan Open Final to Face Alcaraz in Tokyo

Taylor Fritz reached the final of the Japan Open on Tuesday, prevailing in the semifinals to set up a title match with World No. 1 Carlos Alcaraz at Ariake Coliseum in Tokyo on September 30. The 27 year old American advanced after a straight sets win over compatriot Jenson Brooksby, capping a week in which he recovered from an early scare and beat a string of opponents to reach his first ATP Tour final since June.

Fritz’s run in Tokyo has been marked by resilience. He opened the tournament with a three set win over Canada’s Gabriel Diallo, rallying from a set down to prevail 4-6, 6-3, 7-6(3) after just over two hours. Fritz acknowledged a difficult turnaround from the Laver Cup in San Francisco, saying after that match, "It’s definitely a tough turnaround. I think the biggest thing for me today was the energy. It’s really tough to match the energy that you have last week... I’m obviously a little jet lagged as well." He followed that with straight sets victories over Nuno Borges and Sebastian Korda before defeating Brooksby in the semifinal.

Fritz praised his serve after the semifinal, crediting it as the decisive element. "Honestly, just by serve botting. I served insanely...