Carlos Alcaraz repeats as Japan Open champion despite long layoff

TOKYO — Carlos Alcaraz required two tournaments after a 4 1/2-month injury layoff to raise another trophy. The third-ranked Alcaraz beat Jiri Lehecka 7-6 (4), 6-4 on Tuesday to successfully defend his Japan Open title. “It’s been a while,” Alcaraz said, “and obviously it’s extra special.” Alcaraz returned from a right wrist injury in late August and made a run to the US Open quarterfinals, where he lost to Ben Shelton in a match that ended at 3:33 a.m. He’s been wearing a compression sleeve on his right arm since his return. Alcaraz discussed what went through his mind while…