World number one Carlos Alcaraz will play his first match since winning the US Open when he steps foot on court at the Japan Open.
Alcaraz will be hoping to continue his excellent form against Sebastian Baez in the first round after defeating Jannik Sinner in the last major final of the year.
Tennis fans will be disappointed to know that a US Open final rematch will not be possible, as Sinner is competing in the China Open.
Alcaraz and Sinner have played each other in five finals during 2025, with Alcaraz emerging victorious on four occasions.
Alcaraz seems to relish these encounters against Sinner, as demonstrated by his latest comments.
Carlos Alcaraz says it is not a ‘relief’ that Jannik Sinner is not playing in Japan
The Spaniard, who has already made history at the Japan Open, spoke to Tennis TV ahead of his first-round match on Thursday.
During the discussion, Alcaraz was asked if he felt relieved by the prospect of not having to face Jannik Sinner in Japan.
“It’s not really to be honest,” Alcaraz replied.
I love playing against him, I think that every time we play against each other it helps me to be better and to increase my level. I love that.
“But I wanted to play in a different place, a different stadium that I’ve never played.
“So for me that’s what I change, but it’s great to play with other players as well and mix the other tournaments a little.”
Alcaraz could face a recent ATP Tour title winner in round two
If Alcaraz navigates his way past Argentina’s Sebastian Baez, he could face Chilean Alejandro Tabilo in the second round.
Tabilo, who faces Zizou Bergs, recently won his third ATP Tour title in Chengdu, China, defeating a tearful Lorenzo Musetti in the final.
Musetti was unable to convert two match points, before losing 6-3, 2-6, 7-6.
Alcaraz and Tabilo have played each other once before, at the 2022 Australian Open. On that day, Alcaraz was the victor, winning the contest 6-2, 6-2, 6-3.
