The remaining round of 32 matches at the ATP Japan Open in Tokyo delivered massive upsets, thrilling comebacks, and an emotional farewell for Japan’s greatest tennis player.
British Star Arthur Fery Exits Early
Young British talent Arthur Fery, coming off a spectacular semifinal run at this year’s Wimbledon, faced a difficult opening challenge in Tokyo. Despite a valiant effort to battle back and force a decider, Fery was ultimately defeated by Portugal’s Jaime Faria 6-4, 3-6, 6-4. While the first-round exit is a setback, the young Brit has shown immense promise this season on the main tour.
Spanish Upsets and Alcaraz’s Progression
The Spanish contingent had four players in action with mixed results, highlighted by the biggest shock of the tournament so far. Jaume Munar eliminated third seed and recent Cincinnati Masters champion Taylor Fritz in a grueling comeback, winning 6-7(9), 6-4, 6-3. Top seed Carlos Alcaraz overcame a mid-match dip to break down young American Alex Michelsen 7-6(1), 4-6, 6-1. After a tight second set, Michelsen’s game unraveled completely in the decider.
Fourth seed Rafael Jodar suffered a surprisingly heavy defeat, routed by Paraguay’s Adolfo Daniel Vallejo 6-1, 6-3. Alejandro Davidovich Fokina also exited the tournament; after dominating the opening set, he lost the next two to Italy’s Matteo Berrettini 1-6, 7-6(7), 6-4.
French Dominance and Rune’s Continued Struggle
French players continued their excellent run of form. Kyrian Jacquet, coming off a semifinal appearance in Hangzhou last week, dismantled Holger Rune 6-3, 6-1. The Dane’s slump continues, looking a shadow of the player who reached World No. 4 in 2023. Ugo Humbert produced another notable upset, defeating Cincinnati semifinalist Brandon Nakashima 6-3, 6-2. Humbert was dominant throughout, not allowing the American a single break point opportunity.
Nishikori’s Emotional Farewell and Other Action
Japanese tennis legend Kei Nishikori officially retired from professional tennis following a 6-4, 6-4 defeat to American Frances Tiafoe. You can read more about his remarkable career and legacy in our special tribute to Kei Nishikori.
In other results, Italy’s Luciano Darderi shocked Casper Ruud 7-6(7), 6-3. Stefanos Tsitsipas rallied from a set down to defeat Tomas Martin Etcheverry 4-6, 6-3, 6-4. Jiri Lehecka overcame Zizou Bergs 6-3, 6-7(3), 6-3, and Denis Shapovalov comfortably dispatched local representative Sho Shimabukuro 7-5, 6-1.
Round of 16 Schedule
The first four round of 16 matches are scheduled for the next day:
- 04:00: Jaume Munar vs Jaime Faria[cite: 9]
- 05:30: Valentin Vacherot vs Stefanos Tsitsipas[cite: 9]
- 09:00: Kyrian Jacquet vs Luciano Darderi[cite: 9]
- 10:30: Arthur Fils vs Frances Tiafoe[cite: 9]
For the complete draw, player analysis, and daily news from Tokyo, visit our main ATP Japan Open 2026 hub.
