Carlos Alcaraz defeated Alex Michelsen in the first round of the Japan Open.
After taking time to adjust to the conditions in Tokyo, Alcaraz beat Michelsen 7-6, 4-6, 6-1. The Spaniard was excellent in the final set, having been pegged back by the American, who threatened to cause an upset.
During Sky Sports’ Japan Open coverage, former British number one Annabel Croft delivered her verdict on Alcaraz’s first-round win and suggested he now has an advantage over his rivals for the remainder of the season.
Annabel Croft says Carlos Alcaraz is going to be ‘very, very fresh’ compared to his rivals for the rest of 2026
“Normally, by this time in the season, a lot of players are trying to get those extra points to get the rankings ahead for next year, also heading toward end-of-season championships as well. But a lot of players are often exhausted, spent so much emotional energy as well as the physical side of things. But [Carlos] Alcaraz is going to be very, very fresh,” said Croft.
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Alcaraz missed several months of the season recovering from a wrist injury and has played fewer matches than every other top-10 player in 2026. Having only recently returned at the US Open, Alcaraz should be fresh for the final few tournaments of the year.
Live ATP Rankings
| Rank | Player | Country | Matches played in 2026 | Points |
| 1 | Jannik Sinner | Italy | 47 (44-3) | 11,000 |
| 2 | Alexander Zverev | Germany | 71 (57-14) | 9,670 |
| 3 | Carlos Alcaraz | Spain | 32 (28-4) | 5,110 |
| 4 | Ben Shelton | USA | 55 (39-16) | 4,680 |
| 5 | Felix Auger-Aliassime | Canada | 52 (35-17) | 3,890 |
| 6 | Daniil Medvedev | Russia | 54 (38-16) | 3,860 |
| 7 | Flavio Cobolli | Italy | 54 (33-21) | 3,680 |
| 8 | Frances Tiafoe | USA | 60 (43-17) | 3,380 |
| 9 | Arthur Fils | France | 46 (35-11) | 3,225 |
| 10 | Alex de Minaur | Australia | 55 (37-18) | 3,150 |
During last weekend’s Laver Cup, Alexander Zverev joked about Alcaraz’s time off, suggesting he had enjoyed a ‘four-month vacation’, while the Spaniard discussed the packed tennis calendar.
Alcaraz has played 32 matches this year, while Zverev has played 71. The 23-year-old should be the fresher of the two and certainly looked good during his opening match in Tokyo.
“He looked very good today, didn’t he? Even though he was given quite a stern test, it was always going to be tough against somebody who has got a big serve, that wonderful backhand, and somebody who looks to seek opportunities around that net area as well. But Alcaraz has so many shots at his disposal, so much choice, so many changes of pace, acceleration; he can adapt, and he can win points in so many different ways,” said Croft.
“He really got his act together in that final set, and he’s really brought the joy again. That was something he said before he had the break with the wrist problem. He said he was looking to try and find more joy on the court again. I think we’re certainly seeing that in abundance. His tennis is really looking so good.”
Carlos Alcaraz sends a message to his Japanese fans after Alex Michelsen win
Alcaraz played with joy throughout his win over Michelsen and remained joyful in his on-court interview, where he had a message for his many Japanese fans.
“I love being here. I think the love that I receive here, the love they have for me, it’s incredible. Every practice, every time I showed up, in the match, the crowd was amazing as well,” he said.
“I can’t wait to be back on court for the next round, to live this atmosphere, to live this energy again. I have nothing but love for Japan, for the Japanese people, and just happy to be able to play here.”
Alcaraz will have another chance to entertain the Japanese fans when he returns for his second-round match on Saturday, October 3. There, Alcaraz will play Matteo Arnaldi for a quarter-final spot.
