■The singles qualifying rounds were completed on the 29th, finalizing the 32-player main draw. Carlos Alcaraz(ESP), ranked No. 3 in the ATP rankings, is the top seed and will be looking to defend his title. Frances Tiafoe (USA, No. 8) is the No. 2 seed and Taylor Fritz (USA, No. 12) is seeded third. Rafael Jodar (ESP, 13), making his tournament debut, is the No. 4 seed.
■Alcaraz was sidelined for about four months from April with a right wrist injury. In his first tournament back, the US Open, he reached the quarterfinals but completed the event without any recurrence of the injury that had been a concern. He also competed at the Laver Cup in London, which began on September 21, where he prevailed in a close match against Fritz. Despite traveling from the UK over a significant time difference, he is expected to be ready for his opening match. His first-round opponent will be the dangerous Alex Michelsen (USA, No. 34). The 22-year-old broke through to his first Grand Slam quarterfinal at the US Open, where he put up a thrilling fight against Tiafoe that went to a fifth-set tiebreaker.
■Kei Nishikori (JPN), making his final appearance at the Kinoshita Group Japan Open, where he has won the title twice, will take on No. 2 seed Tiafoe. Tiafoe has been one of the standout players of this summer, reaching the semifinals of a Grand Slam for the third time at the US Open. Before the tournament, Nishikori said, “I want to finish without any regrets.” Tiafoe is a formidable opponent, but he could also be an ideal challenge for Nishikori as he seeks to show that his abilities remaini intact.
■Arthur Fils (FRA, No. 9), the 2024 champion, entered the tournament late and was therefore required to play through qualifying. He won both of his qualifying matches to reach the main draw. “I knew it was going to be a tough challenge,” he said, accepting the situation and fighting his way through. Fils has just broken into the top 10 for the first time, reaching a career-high No. 8 in the latest rankings. Plagued by injuries, he had been sidelined for a total of eight months since last year, but has overcome those setbacks to achieve a new career-high ranking. “I’m very happy, but my ultimate goal is not here,” he said, making it clear that he has his sights set even higher.
■Fritz, the 2022 champion, will face qualifier Jaume Munar (ESP, No. 64) in the first round. Jodar, who started the season ranked No. 165 before climbing to a career-high No. 11 in August, will meet qualifier Adolfo Daniel Vallejo (PAR, No. 56). The 20-year-old Jodar is currently ninth in the Race rankings for qualification for the Nitto ATP Finals, the season-ending championship. He will be looking to earn additional points here in his bid to secure one of the eight spots.
■Sho Shimabukuro (JPN, No. 108), who received a wildcard from the tournament organizers, will take on Denis Shapovalov (CAN, No. 46). Another wildcard recipient, Rei Sakamoto (JPN, No. 137), will face Matteo Arnaldi (ITA, No. 37). If Sakamoto can overcome this formidable opponent, he could potentially face Alcaraz in the second round.
■Holger Rune (DEN, No. 188) will also be one to watch. Rune was sidelined after suffering a ruptured Achilles tendon and returned to competition at the Davis Cup two weeks ago after an 11-months absence. On the 28th, he held an open practice session alongside Nishikori, showcasing powerful shots and quick movement. With three players ranked inside the top 10 and nine inside the top 20, the tournament boasts a strong field again with a series of matchups to look for from the very first round.
Japan Tennis Association
