Daijiworld Media Network – Tokyo

Tokyo, Sep 30: World No. 1 Carlos Alcaraz stormed into his 10th final of a sensational season on Monday, rallying past Norway’s Casper Ruud 3-6, 6-3, 6-4 at the Japan Open to match compatriot Rafael Nadal’s 2017 feat.

The US Open champion, who has now recorded a personal-best 66 wins this year, will face world No. 5 Taylor Fritz in Tuesday’s title clash. Fritz defeated fellow American Jenson Brooksby 6-4, 6-3 in the other semi-final.

“Following Rafa’s steps in making 10 finals in a season is something great,” said the 22-year-old Spaniard, adding that he hopes to reach more finals in the tournaments ahead.

Alcaraz, who sustained an ankle injury earlier in the tournament, endured a tense start as Ruud unleashed a series of dazzling winners to claim the first set. Regaining his rhythm, Alcaraz fired nine aces in the second set and broke Ruud midway through the decider, sealing victory with a thunderous forehand.

“Emotionally it was really tough to deal with everything today,” Alcaraz said. “I’m really happy to be able to turn around everything and I ended that match playing such great tennis.”

Looking ahead to the final, Alcaraz acknowledged the challenge of facing Fritz, who beat him at the Laver Cup in San Francisco two weeks ago. “That practice here in Tokyo gave me good feedback on how I should approach the match. I will try to play my best tennis tomorrow — my Plan A — because his level is pretty high right now,” he said.

Despite playing with a strapped ankle, Alcaraz remains confident. “Physically, it can be better, I’m not going to lie,” he admitted. “Just doing the best work that I can with my team and physio, and hopefully tomorrow it will be even better.”