Alcaraz Powers into Japan Open Semis as Gauff Survives in Beijing

Alcaraz Cruises in Tokyo as Gauff Battles Through in Beijing

Carlos Alcaraz continued his red-hot 2025 season with a commanding 6-2 6-4 victory over Brandon Nakashima to reach the semi-finals of the Japan Open in Tokyo.

The world No.1 blasted 39 winners and never faced a break point, putting to rest any doubts about the ankle injury he sustained earlier in the tournament.

“I think I just played unbelievable today,” said Alcaraz. “I felt like I could do everything on court.”

With the win, the Spanish star sets up a blockbuster semi-final clash against Casper Ruud, who eased past Aleksandar Vukic 6-3 6-2.

Tokyo Semi-Final Lineup

Coco Gauff has won 10 WTA titles, including the China Open in 2024

• Carlos Alcaraz (1) vs Casper Ruud (4)

• Taylor Fritz (2) vs Jenson Brooksby

Alcaraz, 22, is chasing his eighth ATP title of the year. His trophy haul already includes:

• Hard court: US Open, Cincinnati Masters, Rotterdam

• Clay: French Open, Rome, Monte Carlo

• Grass: Queen’s Club

Meanwhile, Holger Rune, the third seed, was upset by Jenson Brooksby, who now looks poised to break into the ATP Top 60 after his Tokyo run.

Gauff Serves Up Drama in China Open Win

Over in Beijing, Coco Gauff battled through a turbulent 6-4 4-6 7-5 victory over Leylah Fernandez in the China Open third round.

Despite serving nine double faults and being broken seven times, the American second seed found enough resilience to seal the win.

“I know I could have served a little bit better,” Gauff admitted. “But I did what I needed to do to win.”

Gauff led 5-2 in the final set, but was broken twice before regrouping to finally serve out the match at the second attempt.

WTA Beijing Highlights

• Coco Gauff vs Belinda Bencic (15) – Next Round

• Emma Raducanu vs Jessica Pegula (5) – Third Round

• Sonay Kartal vs Maya Joint – Rising stars clash

What’s Next?

Tokyo (ATP Japan Open) – Semi-finals

• Can Alcaraz claim his fourth hard-court title of 2025?

• Will Brooksby’s momentum upset Fritz?

Beijing (WTA China Open)

• Gauff faces a stern test in Swiss seed Belinda Bencic

• Emma Raducanu prepares for a high-stakes clash with Jessica Pegula

Stay tuned for full coverage of both tournaments as the ATP and WTA tours heat up in Asia!