Carlos Alcaraz remains undefeated in Tokyo! Despite an injury scare in his opener against Sebastian Baez, the World No.1 has powered into the semifinals at the Japan Open after taking down America’s Brandon Nakashima. It hasn’t been a smooth ride. He came to Tokyo after losing alongside Team Europe at the Laver Cup, and facing his first defeat to Taylor Fritz at the event. But now? He’s showing he means business—no matter who the crowd is cheering for!
Alcaraz kept his streak alive on Sunday, blasting past Nakashima 6-2, 6-4 in just 80 minutes. He put aside any doubts from that earlier scare against Baez and played at his peak, firing 39 winners to lock in his 65th win of the season. His all-court game left Nakashima scrambling. Another efficient straight-sets win. Afterward, he laughed off a cheeky question about the sea of American flags in the stands: “How important was it to grab a Spanish win in the top half?”
Pure Carlos Alcaraz confidence: “It’s great to go through, to play another semifinal. It’s special, because it’s the first time I’m playing in Japan, here in Tokyo. To reach the semifinals in my first appearance is something great. I’m just trying not to let the American’s go further. It’s great to see a Spanish flag in the draw.”
It’s turning into a challenge for the remaining Americans. Fritz powered past Sebastian Korda. Brooksby destroyed Holger Rune earlier in the day. Now the two face off in the semifinals, guaranteeing an American in the final. Should Alcaraz get there, he looks more than ready for the showdown!