World number one Carlos Alcaraz produced another dominant performance to reach the semifinals of the Japan Open 2025, beating American Brandon Nakashima 6-2, 6-4 in 88 minutes on Sunday. The Spanish top seed was unharmed on serve, hitting 39 winners and not facing a break point in the match.
His commanding performance put to rest any lingering concerns of an ankle injury incurred earlier in the tournament and reaffirmed Alcaraz’s standing as the heavy favorite in Tokyo.
“I Felt Like I Could Do Everything”
Once he secured the victory, Alcaraz acknowledged he was almost at his best.
“I think I just played unbelievably today, I’m not going to lie. I had a feeling I could do everything on court, play every shot,” said the 22-year-old.
With the win, Carlos Alcaraz also matched his best mark for wins this season with 65, and advanced to a semifinal match against fourth seed Casper Ruud, who defeated qualifier Aleksandar Vukic easily, 6-3, 6-2. Their match will continue a rivalry that has involved multiple Grand Slam finals.
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A Historic 2025 Season: Alcaraz Eyes Fourth Hard-Court Title in Tokyo
The Japan Open 2025 provides Alcaraz with an additional chance to continue an extraordinary year. He has already earned titles on three surfaces: hard courts at the U.S. Open and Cincinnati Masters; clay courts at Monte Carlo, Rome, and Roland Garros; and grass at Queen’s. In total, the Spaniard has accumulated eight ATP titles in 2025.
Winning in Tokyo would secure his fourth hard-court title of 2025, further emphasizing his superiority on faster surfaces while further reinforcing the belief that he will finish the year as World No.1.
Other Semifinalists Set to Battle in Japan Open 2025
The draw at Tokyo still remains crowded as three of the four seeded players have advanced. American Jenson Brooksby, who defeated third-seeded Holger Rune in the quarterfinals, continues his splendid run. Brooksby, age 24, will face fellow American Taylor Fritz, who beat Sebastian Korda 6-3, 6-7 (5-7) 6-3 in three sets.
Brooksby’s run means he is expected to climb from 86 to inside the top 60 when the rankings move, which reflects how well he has played this week in Japan.
Alcaraz Shows Resilience Amid Earlier Ankle Concerns
In earlier rounds, Carlos Alcaraz dealt with some concern over his ankle, which was a brief worry for his progress. After being strapped and treated, the Spaniard has moved with trademark speed since. He had no issues with Nakashima and did not exhibit any further physical concerns. His resilience has been impressive, as has his shot-making throughout this week.
Tournament Outlook: Semifinals Schedule and Possible Showdowns
The semifinals are scheduled for Monday, with Alcaraz vs. Ruud and Fritz vs. Brooksby. An Alcaraz–Fritz final would certainly be a dream scenario for local supporters, but Ruud’s consistency and Brooksby’s fearless involvement would make both of those matches more challenging than on paper, so anything is possible.
For Alcaraz, the Japan Open 2025 is simply another step in a very successful season throughout 2024. From Tokyo, Alcaraz will be focused on the ATP Finals, ending one of the more complete seasons from any player in recent memory.
Bottom Line
Carlos Alcaraz is determined to keep reminding the tennis world in every match why he is already seen as a generational talent. He was commanding and clinical in how he dismissed Nakashima in straight sets, and as the Japan Open 2025 reaches its climax, Alcaraz is still the man to beat.
Bigyan Samele’s Take:
Witnessing Carlos Alcaraz take apart Brandon Nakashima in our quarterfinal match in Tokyo felt less like a quarterfinal and more like a piece in control. The Spaniard’s infusion of artistry and athletics was moving the needle of what it means to dominate on hard courts.
Certainly, the 39 winners and the two unreturned serves on the day would jump off the page, but it was the way Alcaraz carried himself that showed the re-focus of joy and pressure—tense, smiling, as if to say, tennis was simply playful — quite remarkable for a still only 22-year-old player. As we approach the finish line at the Japan Open, the question isn’t can Alcaraz win, but can he take that thought of what is possible just a little further?
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