'He’s the best player in the world for a reason': Taylor Fritz tips his cap to Carlos Alcaraz after Japan final

Taylor Fritz may have lost the Japan Open final to Carlos Alcaraz, but his post-match speech showed nothing but class and gratitude after great week for the world No. 5. After falling 6-4, 6-4 in Tuesday’s championship match, the American delivered a message that was less about disappointment and more about appreciation for the people around him.

“First off, I just want to say congrats to Carlos on a great tournament,” Fritz began, smiling as he acknowledged the man who had just beaten him. “He’s the best player in the world for a reason, and he’s also a great guy. I’m really happy for all of the success that he’s been having.” It was a gracious nod to his Spanish rival, who has collected trophies at an astonishing rate.

“Congrats to Carlos—he deserved it today,” Fritz summed up. “But for me, it was still a really solid week, and I’m grateful for my team, for this tournament, and for all of the support here in Tokyo.”

Though Fritz was understandably disappointed not to claim the Tokyo crown, his reflections were far from bitter. Instead, he framed the week as a positive step forward in a season full of ups and downs. “It’s been a solid week,” he told the crowd, reinforcing the idea that reaching the final was an achievement worth recognising.

From there, the American turned the spotlight away from himself entirely, shifting it to those who have helped him get this far. “I want to say thank you to my team over there. They do a lot for me to make it happen, so thank you guys for being here and for everything you do.” The line summed up a simple truth about life on the ATP Tour: the player may be the one lifting the racquet, but victories and runs to finals are always a team effort.

Thanks all around: organisers, sponsors, and ball kids

Fritz didn’t stop with his team. He extended his gratitude to everyone responsible for making the Japan Open one of his favourite tournaments of the year. “I want to thank all of the organisers, the sponsors, and the ball kids who make this tournament possible,” he said. “I love coming back to this event every year—it’s such an amazing tournament. Thank you so much for everything you do.”

For fans, it was a reminder that the little details—ball kids chasing down loose shots, sponsors keeping the event running smoothly—are essential in staging world-class tennis. Fritz’s insistence on highlighting those people showed a humility that has become a trademark of his public appearances.

The loudest cheers of the evening came when Fritz turned his attention to the crowd itself. “Thank you so much to the fans,” he said, drawing a roar from the stands. “It’s been amazing all week—the support and the love that I feel when I’m here in Tokyo is incredible. Just thank you, thank you so much.”

The repetition captured his emotion in the moment. For Fritz, the bond with Japanese fans has grown year after year, and their energy made the week feel special even in defeat. Few things matter more to him than connecting with supporters, and Tokyo once again provided the platform for that connection.

The world No. 5's next challenge is the Shanghai Masters, where he will be the fifth seed and has a bye in the first round. He will wait to find out who his opponent will be between wildcard Stan Wawrinka and Hungarian Fabian Marozsan.