Carlos Alcaraz has officially announced that he will participate in the Tokyo Open for the first time in his career, marking a significant change to his 2025 tournament schedule. The Spanish tennis sensation has faced scrutiny over his scheduling choices and has decided to forgo defending his title at the China Open in Beijing to debut in Tokyo. The ATP 500 event tournament will be held in October 2025 and is expected to attract some of the world’s top players.
Alcaraz’s decision to enter the Tokyo Open follows criticism for playing numerous exhibition matches in 2024, which many believed impacted his performance in key ATP events. The Spaniard has also voiced his concerns about the ATP calendar, calling it “too congested” and expressing frustration over the physical toll it takes on players. Despite these complaints, he has expanded his 2025 schedule by adding the Tokyo Open, giving Japanese fans an exciting opportunity to witness the four-time Grand Slam champion in action for the first time.
Why Alcaraz Chose Tokyo Over Beijing
Carlos Alcaraz has competed in numerous tournaments globally in his short but illustrious career. In October 2024, he secured his first title in Asia by defeating Jannik Sinner in the final of the China Open, a moment that remains the Italian tennis star’s most recent defeat. However, instead of returning to Beijing to defend his crown, the Spanish tennis star has chosen to play in Japan for the first time.
The 21-year-old’s decision to enter the Tokyo Open could be seen as a strategic move to expand his presence in Asia while avoiding a title defense in Beijing. Japanese tennis enthusiasts will be eager to see him compete in their capital city, where he will look to add another prestigious trophy to his collection. With 500 ATP ranking points on offer, the tournament could play a crucial role in shaping Alcaraz’s standings in the race for year-end rankings.
Alcaraz’s 2025 Campaign and Recent Developments
Although Alcaraz has yet to play in Japan, he has already gained significant experience competing in China. He first appeared in Beijing in 2023, boasting an impressive record of eight wins and only one defeat—against Sinner. Additionally, he has participated twice in the Shanghai Masters, where he accumulated five wins and two losses. His last appearance in Shanghai ended in a disappointing quarter-final defeat to Tomas Machac.
The Tokyo Open presents a fresh challenge for Alcaraz, and Japanese fans will highly anticipate his participation in the tournament. His success in Asia, particularly his China Open victory in 2024, demonstrates his ability to adapt to different conditions and excel on hard courts. As he aims for another strong regional run, his Tokyo debut will be a key milestone in his career.
Meanwhile, Alcaraz’s 2025 season has already started on the back foot. He recently competed in the Australian Open, reaching the quarterfinals but falling to Novak Djokovic. Despite winning the first set, the Spaniard struggled to maintain his momentum after the 24-time Grand Slam champion took a medical timeout, allowing the Serbian legend to secure a four-set victory. The loss was particularly frustrating for the 21-year-old, as many fans had anticipated a showdown between him and world No. 1 Jannik Sinner.
Looking ahead, Carlos Alcaraz is set to compete in the ABN AMRO Open in Rotterdam, which begins on February 3, 2025. With Australian Open champion Jannik Sinner opting out of the event for personal reasons, the four-time Grand Slam champion has a golden opportunity to claim his first title of the year and bounce back from his disappointment in Melbourne.
