TOKYO (Reuters) -World number one Carlos Alcaraz wore down Taylor Fritz 6-4 6-4 in the Japan Open final on Tuesday to win his eighth title of a spectacular year and further cement his status as a dominant force in the men’s game.

Victory also earned Alcaraz revenge for a stunning loss to Fritz at the Laver Cup team event in San Francisco this month, the Spaniard’s first defeat by the American in four clashes, which came shortly after his triumphant U.S. Open campaign.

The 22-year-old had endured a scare after jarring his foot on his Tokyo debut last week, but was beaming as he celebrated his 67th match win this season and 24th tour-level title overall.

“It’s been a pleasure to be able to play here in Tokyo in front of Japanese fans. I’ve enjoyed every single second I was on the court (a

See Full Page