Key Takeaways
- Carlos Alcaraz reached the Japan Open final by defeating Jaume Munar 5-7, 6-3, 6-1 in Tokyo.
- Liam Broady expressed doubt on Sky Sports Tennis over Alcaraz’s philosophy of smiling on court, stating: “If he could get that laser-like focus we have seen from the GOATS of the previous generation I think it would only strengthen his tennis.”
- Alcaraz prepares to contest the Tokyo title match against Jiri Lehecka, over whom he holds a 3-1 head-to-head record.
Broady queries Spaniard’s on-court attitude
Carlos Alcaraz secured his place in another tour-level final after overcoming fellow Spaniard Jaume Munar at the Japan Open in Tokyo. The ATP 500 event represents only the 3rd tournament for Alcaraz since returning from an absence of more than 4 months caused by a wrist injury. After reaching the US Open quarterfinals and helping Team Europe claim the Laver Cup, the 23-year-old rallied past Munar 5-7, 6-3, 6-1 to stand 1 win away from adding another trophy to his cabinet.
During the semifinal encounter, British number 9 Liam Broady offered an unexpected critique regarding the Spanish star’s mindset. Commenting for Sky Sports Tennis early in the contest, Broady addressed Alcaraz’s stated outlook of playing with joy, likely referencing comments made after exiting the US Open.
“It must be so tempting for Carlos to express himself on the court,” Broady observed during the broadcast. “He says often in interviews that I played my best tennis with a smile on my face. I am just not sure I agree with it, that’s the problem. If he could get that laser-like focus we have seen from the GOATS of the previous generation I think it would only strengthen his tennis.”
Comparing visual intensity and focus
Broady elaborated on how Alcaraz’s physical demeanor might be perceived, drawing a comparison to another tennis great while analyzing the contrasting styles on display against Munar.
“Maybe it’s just his posture and how he naturally looks on the tennis court because it looks to me like he is barely trying, but I suppose [Roger] Federer had that as well,” Broady added. “You look down the other end of the court and Munar is sweating on to the baseline.”
| Metric | Carlos Alcaraz | Jaume Munar |
|---|---|---|
| Service points won | 54/88 (61%) | 47/88 (53%) |
| Return points won | 41/88 (47%) | 34/88 (39%) |
| Total points won | 95/176 (54%) | 81/176 (46%) |
Overcoming slow starts ahead of the final
Alcaraz acknowledged difficulties early in matches at the Japan Open. Before dropping the opening set against Munar, he was pushed to a tiebreak in all 3 of his preceding matches in Tokyo. Despite those slow starts, he recovered on each occasion to remain in contention for a 3rd title in 2026.
Standing between Alcaraz and the Japan Open trophy is Jiri Lehecka. Alcaraz holds a 3-1 head-to-head advantage over the Czech, who advanced to the final with a 6-4, 6-2 victory against Valentin Vacherot following previous wins over Zizou Bergs, Ugo Humbert and Adolfo Daniel Vallejo.
ATP Tokyo - Carlos Alcaraz's projected path
Alcaraz in Tokyo, ranking, and results in 2026
Ranked no.3, Carlos has managed to achieve a 31-4 match record in 2026. Carlos is competing in Tokyo where he managed to beat the world no.35 Alex Michelsen 7-6(1) 4-6 6-1, the world no.38 Matteo Arnaldi 7-6(6) 6-1, the world no.42 Denis Shapovalov 7-6(3) 2-1 ret. and the world no.49 Jaume Antoni Munar Clar 5-7 6-3 6-1.
Carlos Alcaraz will come up against the world no.9 Alex De Minaur in the Round Robin on Unknown at 5:00 pm on Court 1. Their head to head is 6-0 for Alcaraz.
Carlos clinched 2 titles in 2026 at the Australian Open and Doha.
Carlos won 27 titles in his career: 10 on hard courts, 11 on clay courts, 2 on indoor courts and 4 on grass courts. (See the list of his titles)
