Alcaraz rallies past Munar into Japan Open final

Defending champion Carlos Alcaraz overcame early wobbles on his serve to outclass fellow Spaniard Jaume Munar 5-7 ‌6-3 6-1 and reach the Japan Open final on Monday, taking a step towards his first singles title after his ‌comeback from a wrist injury.

Alcaraz ⁠completed the career ⁠Grand Slam by capturing the Australian Open title in February but sustained the injury two months later, and he only returned at the US Open, where a quarter-final run ⁠hinted at a ⁠swift return to form.

The 23-year-old, who moved through the gears during Team Europe’s triumphant Laver Cup campaign ‌last month, was cruising against Munar in Tokyo at 5-4 before gifting the opening set to his ⁠opponent with two shaky service games.

After a sluggish start to the next set, ⁠Alcaraz raised ‌his level to force ⁠a decider and the seven-times ‌major champion wore Munar down with stunning ⁠shot-making to set up a title clash with either Jiri Lehecka or Valentin Vacherot on Tuesday.