EIGHT JUST GREAT FOR CARLOS THE CONQUEROR

CARLOS ALCARAZ won his eighth title of a remarkable season with victory over an ailing Taylor Fritz in the final of the Japan Open.

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The world No1 was playing in a ninth consecutive tournament final, and it appeared he may be handed the win as Fritz struggled with a left thigh injury.

But the American rallied from 5-1 down in the second set before Alcaraz, who was furious to be given a time violation in the opening set, clinched a 6-4 6-4 triumph.