Daniil Medvedev retires from China Open after accusing umpires of ‘intimidating’ him
A cramping Daniil Medvedev accused umpires of “trying to intimidate” him as he retired from his China Open semi-final against Learner Tien when the score was 5-7, 7-5, 4-0 in the final set.
After blowing a second-set lead, Medvedev could barely walk as he took to the decider in Beijing but refused to retire even as he struggled to return any ball that was out of his reach.
The Russian was given a warning for “lack of effort” as Tien aced Medvedev with a routine serve down the middle of the court, with the 29-year-old staring towards the umpire before calling the supervisor.
Jamie Braidwood30 September 2025 13:33
Carlos Alcaraz gives special credit to ‘best physio in the world’ after winning Japan Open title
Carlos Alcaraz gave a “special shout-out” to his long-time physiotherapist Juanjo Moreno after winning the Japan Open title as he recovered from an injury scare in his opening match to win the title in Tokyo.
The World No 1 defeated second seed Taylor Fritz 6-4 6-4 to win his eighth title of the season and extend his dominant form. But it could have been a very different story after Alcaraz hurt his left ankle in his opening match against Sebastian Baez.
The 22-year-old ignored pleas from his own team to retire from the match and he recovered in time to play his second-round match against Zizou Bergs, calling Moreno “the best physio in the world” for the work he did on his ankle and saving his tournament.
Jamie Braidwood30 September 2025 12:55
Carlos Alcaraz thanks his physio after winning Japan Open title
Carlos Alcaraz receives a cheque of almost $420,000 as well as the Japan Open trophy.
“I want to start with Taylor,” Alcaraz says. “Such a great tennis player and athlete. Always tough playing against you and congrats for a great tournament and all the best for the rest of the season.
“My team, I’m always really lucky to have you. Special shout-out to my Juanjo [Moreno, his physio] after landing on my ankle earlier in the tournament, I’m grateful.”
Alcaraz finishes his speech by thanking the tournament organisers and the “amazing fans”. He adds Tokyo felt like home. “See you next year,” Alcaraz says to great applause. He quickly adds a “let’s see”.
(AP)
Jamie Braidwood30 September 2025 12:13
Taylor Fritz: ‘He’s the best player in the world for a reason’
Taylor Fritz congratulates Carlos Alcaraz on winning the Japan Open and says the 22-year-old is the “best player in the world”.
“First of all, congrats to Carlos on a great tournament. He’s the best player in the world for a reason and he’s also a great guy. I’m happy for the success he’s having.”
Fritz thanks his team for a “solid” week in Tokyo and adds a thanks for the fans and tournament organisers.
No mention of the injury from Fritz.
Jamie Braidwood30 September 2025 12:06
Carlos Alcaraz’s titles in 2025
Eight titles. Three surfaces. Two grand slams. Three Masters 1000s. Three ATP 500s.
Roland Garros (Outdoor/Clay)
ATP Masters 1000 Cincinnati (Outdoor/Hard)
ATP Masters 1000 Rome (Outdoor/Clay)
ATP Masters 1000 Monte-Carlo (Outdoor/Clay)
Queen’s Club (Outdoor/Grass)
Jamie Braidwood30 September 2025 12:01
Carlos Alcaraz builds on stunning 2025 season
Alcaraz has a 67-7 record in 2025, and is 51-3 since April.
He reached a 10th consecutive final in Tokyo and will look to continue that streak as the ATP moves onto Shanghai, which actually starts tomorrow.
Jannik Sinner will be there, too, and the Italian will look to win the China Open title in Beijing tomorrow.
Jamie Braidwood30 September 2025 11:58
Carlos Alcaraz joins elite group by winning title eighth title of 2025
Since 2000, only six men have won eight titles in one season: Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, Novak Djokovic, Andy Murray, Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz.
Sinner won eight last season. Alcaraz matches that and there are still plenty of opportunities for more silverware.
Jamie Braidwood30 September 2025 11:54
Carlos Alcaraz wins Japan Open title!
A match of two halves for Alcaraz: he was sensational in the first set, edging out a tight battle to win 6-4.
The second set saw the same score, 6-4, but Alcaraz struggled after Fritz took a medical timeout for a left leg injury, and appeared to lose his focus.
From 5-1 down, Fritz won three games in a row to put some pressure on, but Alcaraz landed back-to-back drop shots to win the title.
It’s his eighth of the season, already the most of his career so far.
(REUTERS)
Jamie Braidwood30 September 2025 11:51
GAME, SET AND MATCH! Carlos Alcaraz 6-4 6-4 Taylor Fritz
Can Alcaraz get over the line this time? He puts away a lovely drop shot on the opening point, only to see Fritz crush the forehand return!
Alcaraz misses again on the forehand! This time he pulls it wide and Fritz has a chance in this game at 15-30.
Alcaraz steadies with the serve. 30-30. He is once again just two points away from the title… but Fritz could set up the break point.
Alcaraz with a drop shot from the gods! Stunning, right onto the line with side-spin. No chance for Fritz.
Match point: another drop shot from Alcaraz! He wins the Japan Open title for the first time!
Jamie Braidwood30 September 2025 11:48
*Carlos Alcaraz 6-4 5-4 Taylor Fritz
Fritz does it again. He holds serve with an ace out wide and now Alcaraz must come out for a second time to serve for the title!
Alcaraz looks out of sorts but needs to snap into focus to get this over the line!
Jamie Braidwood30 September 2025 11:43
AloJapan.com