Carlos Alcaraz defeated Jiri Lehecka 7-6(4), 6-4 in the Japan Open final in Tokyo on Tuesday to retain his title. The 23-year-old Spaniard became the first man to go back-to-back in Tokyo since Pete Sampras in 1993-94. It was Alcaraz's 27th career title and his third of the year after the Australian Open and the Qatar Open. The world number three has now won a trophy in his second tournament back after a nearly five-month layoff with a right wrist injury. Alcaraz dropped serve in the opening game at the Ariake Coliseum but recovered to level at 3-3, then took the tiebreak with a sublime drop shot. He broke in the seventh game of the second set to seal victory. 'It's been a while, and obviously it's extra special after my injury and my comeback,' Alcaraz said. Lehecka, ranked 19th, had arrived on a six-match winning streak. Alcaraz began the year by winning his seventh Grand Slam title at the Australian Open before the injury sidelined him.