Carlos Alcaraz vs Alex Michelsen Preview & Prediction | 2026 Japan Open | First Round

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Carlos Alcaraz meets Alex Michelsen in the first round at the 2026 Japan Open at the Ariake Coliseum in Tokyo, Japan

Ranking points: ATP 500

Start date/time: 1 October 2026 at 3:00 am

Venue: Ariake Coliseum, Tokyo, Japan

Surface: Outdoor hard

How to watch on TV: UK – Sky Sports Tennis / USA – Tennis Channel

How to watch online: UK – Sky Go / USA – Tennis Channel

Tickets: Visit this link for the latest Carlos Alcaraz vs Alex Michelsen ticket information

Carlos Alcaraz vs Alex Michelsen prediction

Carlos Alcaraz kicks off his title defence in Tokyo on the back of Laver Cup success with Europe.

The Spaniard is featuring in just his third tournament (including the Laver Cup) since a four and a half month lay-off with a wrist injury and will meet Alex Michelsen for the first time here. 

The American is looking to build upon his quarter-final push at the US Open, but this will be a tall order. 

Alcaraz is not showing many signs of rust and is still producing moments of magic only he seems capable of.

The top seed will also be fresh at this stage, so we don’t see an upset here.

Carlos Alcaraz vs Alex Michelsen tip: Carlos Alcaraz to win 2-0