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Alcaraz advances to Japan Open final / Photo: Rie KIKUCHI - AFP
Alcaraz advances to Japan Open final
Defending champion Carlos Alcaraz advanced to the final of the Japan Open on Monday after securing a hard-fought 5-7, 6-3, 6-1 victory over fellow Spaniard Jaume Munar in Tokyo.
The world number three clinched the win despite struggling with mistakes, particularly near the end of the first set, while his 49th-ranked opponent put up a brave fight.
Alcaraz unleashed a barrage of big serves and aggressive returns to keep Munar off-balance and running along the baseline, occasionally mixing in delicate drop shots that wowed the packed crowd at the Ariake Colosseum.
Munar maintained his composure to stay competitive especially late in the opening set, as Alcaraz hit shots wide and long and racked up four double-faults in that set alone.
Nevertheless, Alcaraz kept pressure on his opponent, showering him with precise forehands, fast volleys and drop shots, breaking Munar's serve in the first, third and ninth games of the second set.
Alcaraz dominated the final set, wrapping up the match in two hours and 31 minutes.
In the final, Alcaraz will face either Jiri Lehecka of Czechia or Valentin Vacherot from Monaco, who are set to square off in the other semi-final later Monday.
W.Kretschmer--BlnAP
