Carlos Alcaraz touched down in Tokyo for the ATP 500 Japan Open with the poise of a champion and the mindset of a student. Fresh off a season that has seen him lift seven titles—including the US and French Opens—the 22-year-old Spaniard is not just chasing trophies. He’s chasing greatness.
A Season of Growth and Glory
Alcaraz described 2025 as his finest year yet, both in terms of results and personal development. “I’ve been playing great tennis, great matches. I think that I’ve seen myself grow up a lot as a player on the court,” he said during his press conference in Tokyo. With six Grand Slam titles already under his belt, he’s ahead of the pace set by many legends at the same age.
Eyes on the Legends, Feet on the Ground
Despite his meteoric rise, Alcaraz remains grounded. “My goal in tennis is to be at the same table as the legends, the best players in history. But it’s not something I’m thinking about right now. I’ve achieved great things at 22. But I don’t know in the future how many tournaments I’m going to achieve”. His focus, he insists, is on daily improvement—on training well, staying disciplined, and letting results follow.
Tokyo Debut and Samurai Spirit
In a nod to Japanese tradition, Alcaraz donned a samurai outfit upon arrival, embracing the cultural heritage of his host country. It was a symbolic gesture—one that echoed the discipline and honor he brings to the court. His first match pits him against Sebastian Baez, with a potential quarterfinal clash looming against Frances Tiafoe.
Carlos Alcaraz in 2025
Ranked no.1, Carlos played his last match on the 21st of September when he overcame world no.21 Francisco Cerundolo 6-2 6-1 in the round robin in the Laver Cup (draw).
Currently, during this year Alcaraz owns an overall 62-7 record. The Spaniard has won 7 titles in 2025 in Rotterdam, Monte-Carlo, Rome, French Open, London, Cincinnati and U.S. Open. The Spaniard got to the final in Barcelona and Wimbledon.
He is also scheduled to play in Shanghai (Shanghai Rolex Masters). The main draw will start on the 1st of October.