Fritz Dominates Brooksby 6-4, 6-3 to Secure Spot in Japan Open Final
After his notable victory over Alexander Zverev at the Laver Cup in San Francisco, Taylor Fritz found himself on a flight to Tokyo. At 27 years old, he showcased remarkable resilience despite feeling the toll of travel fatigue. In a fiercely contested semifinal, he ultimately triumphed over his opponent in what marked an intense outdoor hardcourt clash.
Jenson Brooksby, younger by three years, claimed his first career title earlier this year in Houston and has continued his ascent up the rankings. The Californian, who reached a peak of #33 in 2022, faced a setback due to an injury and subsequent surgery on his left wrist, causing his ranking to plummet to #466. Currently sitting at #86, he impressively defeated Ugo Humbert, the 6th seed, and Holger Rune, the 3rd seed, both in straight sets to reach this pivotal stage of the ATP 500 tournament.
Fritz won the toss and chose to serve. Quickly, he raced to a commanding 40-0 lead, but faced a challenge with three deuces before sealing the game with a stunning inside-out forehand winner. Brooksby responded strongly, firing an ace and holding serve at love to even the score. Fritz then unleashed a trio of winners, including two aces, securing a love hold, while Brooksby matched that energy, serving brilliantly to hold at love for the second time, punctuated by a dazzling backhand down the line.
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Continuing his momentum, Fritz struck three additional winners and two more aces to lead 3-2, while Brooksby faced pressure, battling through three deuces and a break point before hitting two consecutive forehand winners to equalize.
In the seventh game, Fritz unleashed his fifth ace and solidified his hold at love with a sixth ace. Brooksby, serving with fresh balls, started with an ace but faltered with a double fault, eventually holding for 30. Fritz showcased a remarkable cross-court backhand in the ninth game, enduring three deuces and facing two break points, yet held strong for a lead of 5-4. As Brooksby served to remain in the set, an early mishit set the tone, and despite landing two powerful forehands, he succumbed to the set after three unforced errors.
After the first set, Brooksby took a moment off the court. Fritz served first in the second set, effortlessly holding to 15, powered by an impressive eighth ace. Brooksby, making a strong return with 3/4 on first serves, held at love as he executed a skillful serve and volley.
Fritz maintained his momentum, firing three consecutive winners, including two aces, to hold at 15 in the third game. Brooksby struggled, committing backhand errors at crucial moments, allowing Fritz to break and hold for 4-1. Even under duress, Brooksby held on for 2-4, despite facing a break point. However, Fritz elevated his play, striking three winners and two additional aces to take a commanding 5-2. Brooksby, undeterred, served to stay in the match and held to 30, even after struggling with three first-serve misses.
When serving for the match, Fritz faced initial resistance from Brooksby, who struck a powerful backhand down the line. Yet, the 2024 US Open finalist quickly regained his rhythm, delivering three consecutive winners, including his thirteenth ace, to clinch the match. After a gripping 90-minute battle, Fritz’s powerful serve ultimately dictated the pace, leading him to the final for the second time, having previously captured the title in 2022 against Tiafoe.
In the esteemed Ariake Coliseum, Fritz is set to face a familiar challenger: Carlos Alcaraz, the world #1, who bested Casper Ruud in a tightly contested semifinal to mark his Tokyo debut. The 22-year-old Spaniard, a reigning champion of both the French and US Open, is on the hunt for his eighth title of the season, while Fritz aims for his third.
Although Alcaraz currently leads their head-to-head encounters at 3-0, including a closely fought four-set match at Wimbledon this past July, Fritz had the upper hand in their last meeting at the Laver Cup, winning in straight sets just last weekend. While this victory isn’t officially recognized in the overall ATP tour record, Fritz will undoubtedly channel that newfound confidence and competitive spirit as they vie for the coveted trophy.
