Defending champion Carlos Alcaraz advanced to the final of the Japan Open on Monday after overcoming fellow Spaniard Jaume Munar 5-7, 6-3, 6-1 in a hard-fought semi-final in Tokyo. The world No. 3 recovered from a difficult opening set to take control of the contest and secure his place in the title match.

Munar, ranked 49th in the world, made a strong start and capitalised on Alcaraz's errors during the opening set. The Spaniard struggled to find consistency, sending several shots wide or long and committing four double faults. Munar remained composed under pressure to take the first set 7-5.

Alcaraz responded strongly in the second set, using powerful serves, aggressive returns and accurate forehands to put Munar under sustained pressure. He also mixed his attacking play with drop shots and crisp volleys, making it difficult for his opponent to settle into a rhythm. Alcaraz broke Munar's serve in the first, third and ninth games to level the match with a 6-3 set.

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The defending champion carried that momentum into the deciding set and quickly established control. Alcaraz kept Munar pinned behind the baseline with his aggressive groundstrokes while continuing to vary his attack with well-timed drop shots. He completed a 6-1 third set to close out the match after two hours and 31 minutes.

Alcaraz will now play for the Japan Open title against either Jiri Lehecka of Czechia or Valentin Vacherot of Monaco. The two players are scheduled to meet in the other semi-final on Monday, with the winner set to face Alcaraz in the final.

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