Alcaraz wraps up seventh title from nine finals with Tokyo Open dismissal of Fritz

• Spaniard beats physically-hampered opponent 6-4, 6-4

• Player has had one of greatest seasons of past decade

After consoling his opponent and embracing his team at the end of another successful week on the tour, Carlos Alcaraz had just one thought on his mind. He immediately sought out a pair of scissors to finally remove the extensive bandage wrapped tightly around his left ankle.

Having started his week in Tokyo by rolling his ankle and being unsure about whether he would continue, Alcaraz, the ATP No 1, ended it with his eighth title of the season as he overcame a spirited fight from a physically hampered Taylor Fritz to triumph at the Japan Open with a 6-4, 6-4 win.

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