Carlos Alcaraz to face Taylor Fritz in Japan Open final after Casper Ruud scare

After committing 15 unforced errors in the first set, Alcaraz won 20 of 24 points on his serve in the second as he took charge of the match.

There was little evidence that the six-time Grand Slam winner was struggling with an ankle problem, which has been troubling him since his tournament opener against Sebastian Baez.

Second seed Fritz, who defeated Alcaraz in the Laver Cup last week, beat compatriot Jenson Brooksby 6-4 6-3 in the other semi-final.

“I know he’s playing great tennis lately,” Alcaraz said of Fritz.

“It’s another challenge for me and I’m looking forward to it.”

The American hit 13 aces as he reached his first hard-court final of the year.

“I served insanely well,” said Fritz.

“High percentage first serves and spots too. It felt like any game that I didn’t hit three aces, he was really outplaying me from the baseline.

“My serve got me through it.”