The Spaniard had not lifted a trophy since February after four and a half months out with a wrist injury.
A slow start, then a tie-break surge
The world number three dropped serve in the opening game and soon trailed 3-1 to the 19th-ranked Lehečka. Alcaraz hit back immediately, breaking with a scorching backhand to level at 3-3.
From there, Alcaraz produced his full repertoire of crowd-pleasing shots. He won five points in a row — a sublime drop-shot among them — to snatch the first set and lay the platform for victory.
First Tokyo repeat since Sampras
The second set stayed tight until the seventh game, when Alcaraz broke for a 4-3 lead. On match point he forced an error from Lehečka and celebrated wildly with his courtside team. The win made him the first man to defend the Tokyo title since Pete Sampras in 1993‑94.
It was his 27th ATP Tour trophy and his third of a season that began with the Australian Open and Doha crowns before injury struck.
“Extra special after my injury”
“I’m really happy to be able to lift a trophy again,” Alcaraz told Sky Sports. “It’s been a while and obviously it’s extra special after my injury.” He admitted negative thoughts had come during recovery but said he trusted himself and it worked out.
He now heads to the Shanghai Masters with a title back in his hands and the long wait behind him.
