Carlos Alcaraz becomes first player since Pete Sampras to retain Japan Open

Carlos Alcaraz completed a successful return from a lengthy injury layoff by retaining his Japan Open title on Tuesday, beating unseeded Czech Jiri Lehecka 7-6(4), 6-4 in the final.The Spaniard, who endured a slow start yet again, eventually found his rhythm to claim his third title of the year and 27th overall. The ATP 500 triumph came in only his second tournament since returning from a wrist injury that kept him sidelined for nearly five months.Alcaraz made his comeback at the US Open in late August and has now quickly rediscovered his winning touch. He had earlier won the Australian Open and Qatar Open this year.Alcaraz overcomes slow start to retain titleThe world No. 3 began the final nervously, dropping his serve in the opening game, but quickly settled and raised the intensity. He broke world No.