Carlos Alcaraz says how he really feels about facing Taylor Fritz again so soon after losing to him at the Laver Cup

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Sport has a knack of throwing up little subplots, and the Japan Open now has one involving Taylor Fritz and Carlos Alcaraz.

Alcaraz defeated Casper Ruud despite losing the first set in Monday’s semifinal, and that earned him a rematch with Fritz, who beat him at the Laver Cup.

Fritz was given advice on how to beat Alcaraz at proper tournaments after his exploits in beating him at the Laver Cup, which is ultimately the tennis equivalent of the Ryder Cup.

Andy Roddick hailed Fritz after that win, and now it would appear that the two players have an immediate chance to face each other on a much bigger occasion.

• READ MORE: Carlos Alcaraz gets credit for Laver Cup defeat to Taylor Fritz

Carlos Alcaraz shares how he feels about playing Taylor Fritz again

Alcaraz thrashed Fritz in a Wimbledon semifinal earlier this year, but in fairness, over three sets, this might be a more even match.

After the win over Ruud in which Alcaraz played very well after dropping the first set, there was only one place to start with his on-court interview and it was the rematch with Fritz.

He said: “Well, I know he’s playing great really since the Laver Cup match against me and Zverev and here too, he’s feeling great, he’s really comfortable.

“What I would say is that the speed of the court is quite different to San Francisco and the conditions aren’t the same, but it will be a challenge for me for sure, but it’s one that I’m excited for and I will have to try and change the right things, stay positive and I’m really excited for the match.”

Fritz can make a statement by beating Alcaraz

At 27-years-old, Fritz has turned a corner in recent years, reaching the final and semifinals of Grand Slam tournaments.

However, the fact remains that the recent win over Alcaraz at the Laver Cup remains his only victory over the Spaniard, with the other matches proving to be one-sided affairs.

Now, Fritz, buoyed by his recent win over Alcaraz, has a real opportunity to send out a message to those who doubt that he can mix it with the top players on a consistent basis.

The final looks set to be a brilliant contest and it would appear, based on these comments, that Alcaraz is ready and waiting to take on the American player once again.