After participating in the 2025 edition of the Laver Cup in San Francisco last weekend, new world number 1 Carlos Alcaraz has arrived in Tokyo to participate in the prestigious ATP 500. The Spanish ace preferred to play the Japanese tournament this year instead of the Beijing ATP 500, where he lifted the trophy last year at the end of an electrifying final against his huge rival Jannik Sinner.
The 22-year-old from Murcia certainly has the goal of defending the first position in the ATP ranking at least until the end of this year, in which he showed that consistency that had often been his weak point in past seasons. The six-time Grand Slam champion – who didn't have much time to recharge his batteries after winning the US Open for the second time in his career – has already lifted seven trophies in 2025 and deserved to overtake Sinner in the ATP rankings.
Alcaraz and Fritz showing top form
Carlitos will make his Tokyo debut against Argentine ace Sebastian Baez tomorrow and it will be very interesting to watch his level, considering that he lost a match during the Laver Cup last weekend. The world No. 1 was defeated for the first time by Taylor Fritz, who put in a perfect performance at the Chase Center to lead Team World to victory.
Alcaraz and Fritz – who are the two top favorites in Japan – practiced together today and their intensity left the crowd speechless.
Pure ball striking on display 😮💨
Alcaraz & Fritz showing top form in Tokyo practice 🤝#kinoshitajotennis pic.twitter.com/BzBekJXPcY
— Tennis TV (@TennisTV) September 24, 2025
The Spanish star's main goals in the latter part of the season are the Nitto ATP Finals in Turin and the Davis Cup Finals in Bologna, which he admitted he wanted to participate in during a conversation with Pau Gasol during the Laver Cup. Spain qualified for the 'Final 8' thanks to a sensational comeback against Denmark in Marbella.
