Carlos Alcaraz has message for Taylor Fritz after beating him in the Japan Open final in straight sets

Carlos Alcaraz is on top of the world once again after beating Taylor Fritz to win the Japan Open.

The Spanish player overcame Fritz in straight sets to avenge his defeat to the American player at the recent Laver Cup event.

Alcaraz made history in coming through his semifinal match with Casper Ruud, and he went into the final with Fritz as the overwhelming favourite.

Alcaraz was bang up for the match against Fritz and he battled past the 27-year-old, who struggled with a leg injury during the second set.

Carlos Alcaraz has a message for Taylor Fritz after beating him in the Japan Open

Alcaraz is the world number one for a reason, and was it ever in doubt that he would win this tournament?

Fritz will keep plugging away, and he will be disappointed that a leg injury appeared to rob him of making more of a game of it against Alcaraz.

After beating him at the Laver Cup, Fritz was confident he could beat Alcaraz again, but on this occasion, it simply wasn’t meant to be.

After the match, the niceties began, and Alcaraz paid a touching tribute to his beaten and disappointed opponent.

He said: “First of all, I just want to start with Taylor. Such a great tennis player and athlete. It is always really tough playing against you.

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“Congrats on a great tournament to you and your team for doing a great job, just to be in the position you are.

“Congratulations on a great tournament and all the best for the rest of the season.”

Alcaraz shares whether he will defend his Japan Open title next year

It’s the first time that Alcaraz has played the Japan Open – and it might not be his last!

Alcaraz was immediately asked whether or not he’d play next year’s event in Tokyo, and his response was given a loud cheer by the packed-out stadium.

He said: “Hopefully I will see you soon, see you next year. We will see.

“I don’t want to leave you before saying how grateful I am for the support that I have received here in my first year coming to Tokyo.

“The fans have been amazing since the first day, so I want to say thank you very much.”

Much has been made of the rigorous schedule on the ATP Tour, and a lot can change in 12 months.

However, having won the title this time around, Alcaraz will surely decide to defend his crown next year, provided he stays fit and healthy.

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