Alcaraz enters Tokyo. Tradition, Continuity and a New Champion

The Tokyo tournament has one of the richest legacies in men’s tennis. From Tokyo Outdoor (1973–89) on hard courts under the open sky, to today’s ATP 500 staged since 1990, there’s a clear line of continuity that makes the Japanese capital a true tennis stronghold. Between 1974 and 1994, the Tokyo Indoor also thrived, attracting the best shot-makers of that fast-court era.

When it comes to dominance, Ivan Lendl tops the charts: 6 titles, 10 finals, and a staggering 62–11 win–loss record. Just behind him stands Stefan Edberg, also with 6 crowns and a sparkling 57–10 tally, a perfect showcase of his serve-and-volley artistry.

Other champions left their mark too: Jimmy Connors (2 titles across 11 campaigns), Boris Becker (2), Björn Borg, John McEnroe, and more recently Pete Sampras, who never lost a match in Tokyo, lifting 3 trophies in 3 attempts. The modern era also belongs to Kei Nishikori, Japan’s homegrown star, who thrilled the local crowd with two triumphs in 11 appearances.

The 2025 edition added a fresh chapter. Carlos Alcaraz stormed to the title this morning, defeating Taylor Fritz in the final. His win not only secures his place on Tokyo’s roll of honour but also symbolizes the generational handover—Tokyo once again stands as the bridge between eras.

A piece of trivia: back in 1986, Tokyo Outdoor became one of the first Asian events to broadcast night matches live to Europe, boosting the city’s international prestige. The Indoor event, meanwhile, provided the stage for the early breakthroughs of Becker and Edberg before their Slam-winning years.

All in all, Tokyo is more than just a stop on the calendar. It’s a crossroads of generations: from Lendl and Edberg, to Nishikori, and now Alcaraz, Japanese fans have witnessed nearly five decades of top-tier tennis action.

1. Tokyo Outdoor (1973–89)

2. Tokyo Indoor (1974–94)

3. Tokyo Open Era (1990–2025)