Carlos Alcaraz is enjoying a sensational start to the 2026 season, having not yet tasted defeat in the first two months of the year.
Alcaraz looks new and improved in 2026, which has seen him win the Australian Open and the Qatar Open back-to-back.
The world number one is currently 12-0 as he heads to his next tournament at Indians Wells, which he has previously won on two occasions.
Ahead of his first Masters event of the year, Alcaraz has also confirmed his presence at another ATP tournament.
Carlos Alcaraz adds ATP 500 event to his schedule
Per the Japan Open’s Instagram, Alcaraz has been confirmed to defend his Japan Open crown at the end of the year.
Alcaraz made his debut in Tokyo last season, as he swept his way to yet another ATP Tour title at the Ariake Coliseum.
Which member of the ‘Big Three’ is Carlos Alcaraz most similar to? Let us know why below👇
The Spaniard dropped just one set, to Casper Ruud, as he defeated the likes of Taylor Fritz, Sebastian Baez, and Brandon Nakashima to lift the title.
Alcaraz’s presence at the Japan Open means he is not playing the China Open yet again, which takes place at the same time in Beijing.
Last year, Jannik Sinner opted for the Beijing event instead and lifted the trophy concurrently to his Spanish rival.
It is currently unclear which tournament Sinner will pick, as his latter season schedule is yet to be confirmed.
How much did Carlos Alcaraz earn by winning the 2025 Japan Open?
It is unknown how much Alcaraz pocketed for his appearance fee at the Japan Open, but he won a tidy sum by lifting the trophy.
Alcaraz was awarded $416,365 for winning the 2025 Japan Open, which was significantly more than the $340,010 the 2024 winner received.
What do you think is Carlos Alcaraz’s best surface and why?
The Spaniard also banked 500 ranking points, which helped him fend off Sinner at the top of the ATP Tour rankings.
Tennis in Asia continues to grow and it’s clear Alcaraz has made that section of the ATP Tour a real priority in recent years.
Alcaraz has won both the Japan Open and the China Open, the latter of which was earned in 2024 when he beat Sinner in the final.
