Alcaraz Overcomes Serve Struggles to Defeat Michelsen in Tokyo

Carlos Alcaraz battles through serve issues to beat Michelsen and advance in Japan Open, as top seeds fall early.

October 1, 2026 One Min Read

POLICY WIRE — Tokyo, Japan — Carlos Alcaraz overcame early struggles with his modified serve to defeat unseeded American Alex Michelsen 7-6(1) 4-6 6-1, securing his place in the Japan Open quarterfinals.

The Spaniard faced challenges in adjusting to the slower court conditions in Tokyo, which he attributed to the effects of heavy rain limiting his practice time. Despite two breaks in the second set, Alcaraz recovered to take control in the third and clinch a decisive victory.

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Alcaraz’s win came amid a day of upsets, as several top seeds were eliminated in the first round. Third seed Taylor Fritz fell to qualifier Jaume Munar, sixth seed Casper Ruud was defeated by Luciano Darderi, and seventh seed Tommy Paul lost to Alejandro Tabilo. Former world number four Holger Rune also exited after a loss to Kyrian Jacquet.

Reporting by Policy-Wire (PW)

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