Carlos Alcaraz defeats Alex Michelsen in three sets at Japan Open

Since his comeback, it seems that the American men have given Carlos Alcaraz a lot of trouble. That trend carried forward from Ben Shelton at the US Open and Taylor Fritz at Laver Cup to Alex Michelsen who was up for the challenge in his first career meeting against the Spaniard at the Japan Open.

Michelsen executed a smart gameplan of coming to the net often in the first set. He was relentless, forcing a tiebreaker which Alcaraz won.

Alcaraz was up a break in the second set when Michelsen lifted his game. It seemed fitting tennis fans got a deciding third set.

MORE: Carlos Alcaraz prevails over Taylor Fritz in Laver Cup thriller

Alcaraz ran away with third set

The third set proved to be the best Alcaraz has played since his comeback.

Everything came together including the serve which has been suspect at times including in this tough first round match at the Japan Open.

He weathered the 2 hour and 30 minute physical match, 7-6, 4-6, 6-1, looking stronger than at the US Open.

MORE: Ben Shelton defeats Carlos Alcaraz in five sets at 2026 US Open

Wearing a new Nike kit, Alcaraz if finding his mojo

The game has missed Alcaraz. His megawatt smile, the orange and red Nike kit for the fall Asian swing, and the wizardry he can show on the tennis court are unique.

Hopefully Alcaraz, the defending Japan Open champion, makes a deep run this year with his sights set on being in good form for the ATP Finals next month.

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