Carlos Alcaraz admits he is not the same player as 12 months ago after overcoming a blip to reach the Japan Open final.
The world No.2 battled back from a set down to defeat Jaume Munar 5-7, 6-3, 6-1 in an encounter that saw him lose 16 points in a row towards the end of the opener. It is not the first time Alcaraz has been sternly tested at the tournament this year. He also dropped a set in his opening match against Alex Michelsen. Meanwhile, he was broken three times during the first set of his clash with Denis Shapovalov, who ended up retiring due to injury.
Despite these scares, the Spaniard has moved to a win away from defending his title at the Japan Open, which would mark his first trophy since February. Alcaraz is playing in only his second singles event since returning from a wrist injury that sidelined him for almost four months.
“It’s different,” Alcaraz replied when asked to compare himself to this time last year.
“I’m trying to get my level back. I would say I’m still far from it. Last year I came here (to Tokyo) with a lot of trophies, with a lot of matches on my back and with a lot of confidence.
“It’s kind of a different feeling but I’m going to fight for the same result, which I’m really happy about.”
Alcaraz has won nine out of 10 matches since starting his comeback, including the Laver Cup. Five of those victories were over players ranked inside the top 50 at the time of their meeting.
“I’m just trying to find my good level,” he continued.
“Physically, I’m feeling good which for me is really important and trying to forget about everything I’ve been through with the injury with the wrist, with the arm and I think it’s going pretty well so far.”
However, the Spaniard admits he still has a long way to go before being at the level that has guided him to seven Grand Slam trophies.
“I just want to be back to playing good tennis with consistency. That’s what I was doing last year and that’s why it was really successful,” he said.
“(Out) for four months and a half and then just trying to get into the competition, trying to get into the rhythm of playing matches, playing tournaments, it is never easy. The way that I’m playing I’m just really happy about it but I just want to get back that consistency so I’m just trying to get it as soon as I can.”
Alcaraz will play Jiri Lehecka in Wednesday’s final, whom he leads 3-1 in their head-to-head. Lehecka is through to his first Tour final since the Miami Masters in March after beating Valentin Vacherot 6-4, 6-2.
This year’s Japan Open champion will earn $437,955 in prize money, as well as 500 ranking points.
