Will Alcaraz Make History on His Tokyo Debut?
The Spanish star aims to become the sixth player to claim the title as the reigning World No. 1.
Date: September 23, 2025
Photo Credits: Corinne Dubreuil/ATP Tour & Koichi Kamoshida/Getty Images
Carlos Alcaraz looks to follow in the footsteps of legends like Roger Federer by winning in Tokyo.
Written by Andy West
The Kinoshita Group Japan Open Tennis Championships has produced a legacy of remarkable champions since its inception in 1972.
Out of 29 players who have held the No. 1 position in the PIF ATP Rankings, 12 have emerged victorious at this prestigious Tokyo hard-court tournament. Iconic figures such as Stefan Edberg, Pete Sampras, Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, and Novak Djokovic have each claimed the title at least once while reigning as World No. 1.
Now, following his resounding victory at the US Open, Carlos Alcaraz is set to make his debut at the Kinoshita Group Japan Open, aiming to join this illustrious group.
Legendary Edberg
Stefan Edberg holds the record for the most titles in Tokyo, with an impressive four victories over six appearances. His journey began in 1987, and in 1991, he became the first reigning World No. 1 to win the title, defeating esteemed rivals like Jimmy Connors and Ivan Lendl to secure his last crown.
Sampras Dominates
Pete Sampras enjoyed a renowned career in Tokyo, clinching his first title in 1993, which catapulted him to World No. 1 status. Remarkably, he is the only player to win this event twice while holding the top spot, maintaining a flawless 15-0 record at the tournament.
World No. 1 Pete Sampras commands the court during his 1994 Tokyo title run. Photo Credit: Kazuhiro Nogi/AFP via Getty Images
Federer’s Remarkable Performance
Roger Federer made a spectacular impact during his only Tokyo appearance in 2006, dropping just one set en route to his title. Competing during the peak of his reign as World No. 1, he seamlessly defeated Tim Henman in the finals to secure his ninth title of the year.
Nadal’s Tokyo Triumph
Rafael Nadal dazzled fans during his 2010 debut as World No. 1 with a series of electrifying performances, highlighted by a nail-biting semi-final against Viktor Troicki. He ultimately secured the trophy, showcasing his remarkable skills on the hard courts.
Rafael Nadal celebrates his victory in Tokyo in 2010. Photo Credit: Koji Watanabe/Getty Images
Djokovic’s Stunning Debut
Novak Djokovic capped the success of the ‘Big Three’ with his flawless performance in 2019, winning every match convincingly. His return to form following a shoulder injury demonstrated his incredible resilience and skill.
Novak Djokovic raises the Tokyo trophy in 2019. Photo Credit: Koji Watanabe/Getty Images
Can Alcaraz Join This Elite Group?
As the upcoming tournament approaches, could Alcaraz become the sixth reigning World No. 1 to win in Tokyo? With a stellar outdoor hard court record of 23-4 this season, he undoubtedly comes in strong, yet he faces tough competition from former champion Taylor Fritz and formidable opponents like Holger Rune, Casper Ruud, and Frances Tiafoe.
