The ATP Japan Open in Tokyo reaches its conclusion with a mouth-watering final between top seed Carlos Alcaraz and the in-form Jiri Lehecka. The Czech has earned his place in the showpiece match and will not be rolling over for anyone, but the big question is whether Alcaraz has another level to find when it truly counts.
Alcaraz holds a 3-1 lead in the head to head, though Lehecka did manage to beat him in Doha back in 2025, so there is genuine evidence that the Czech can get the better of him on a big occasion. Alcaraz has not been at his sharpest this week by any means. He was taken to three sets by Jaume Munar in the semis, dropping the opening set before coming through 5-7 6-3 6-1. He has grown into the tournament as the days have gone on, which is actually a decent sign heading into a final. Lehecka meanwhile has looked sharp and purposeful, taking care of Valentin Vacherot in straight sets to book his spot here.
The Czech has been excellent from the baseline throughout this event and his aggressive ball striking suits the Tokyo hard courts well. His serve has also been a weapon, and if he can keep that clicking he has a genuine route to disrupting Alcaraz before the Spaniard gets comfortable. The trouble for Lehecka is that Alcaraz is just a different kind of problem to solve compared to anyone else in the draw. The variety Alcaraz brings, the drop shots, the net approaches, the ability to generate pace from positions where most players would just defend, all of that makes him uniquely difficult to pin down over a full match.
Lehecka absolutely has the firepower to take a set here and make this a proper contest, and I would not be shocked if he does. But Alcaraz has been getting sharper with each round and the head to head advantage, combined with that all court game, gives him a meaningful edge when the match gets tight. Alcaraz should come through this one and defend his Tokyo title.
Prediction: Alcaraz wins in 3 sets.
Top Casinos
Top New Bookmakers
Top Offers
Top Rated Bookmakers
Here you'll find football corners betting tips from our expert football analyst, Liam Johnson. All of the corner predictions published here on WhichBookie are 100% free.
Best Football Bookies
