Alcaraz beats Arnaldi to reach 3rd round at Japan Open

TOKYO -- Top-seeded Carlos Alcaraz beat Matteo Arnaldi 7-6 (6), 6-1 on Saturday in a second-round match at the Japan Open, continuing his strong return to play after a four-month layoff due to a wrist injury.

Alcaraz played in the Laver Cup last week, helping Europe claim the trophy with a singles win over Taylor Fritz. Alcaraz lost to Ben Shelton in an epic, early-morning finish at the US Open quarterfinals after his injury return.

In an earlier second-round match Saturday, Denis Shapovalov beat Alejandro Tabilo 7-5. 3-6. 6-4. Alcaraz will play Shapovalov in the quarterfinals.