Japan Open finally made its return this year and with the women’s tournament having come and gone, the ATP event is next. Join us as we tell you all you will need to know about the 2022 Japan Open.
Japan Open Tennis Tournament
The Rakuten Japan Open is a hard-court tennis tournament a part of both the WTA and ATP Tour. In 2020 and 2021, the tennis world came to halt following the outbreak of COVID-19. Many events were either postponed or cancelled completely, including the Japan Open. This year, the event will experience its 47th edition, re-debuting after a 2-year hiatus. The event’s title sponsor is Rakuten- a Japanese e-commerce company.
| Location | Tokyo, Japan |
| Venue | Ariake Colosseum |
| Tour category | ATP 500 |
| Prize money | $1,953,285 (total commitment $2,108,110) |
| Draw | 32 Singles, 16 Doubles |
Rakuten Japan Open 2022 champions
In Rakuten Japan Open, Taylor Fritz won singles title in all American clash. Fritz defeated Frances Tiafoe in straight sets (7-6, 7-6). Taylor Fritz won his 3rd ATP title of the year. On other sides in doubles championship, Mackenzie McDonald of USA and Marcelo Melo of Brazil defeated David Vega Hernandez of Spain and Rafael Metoz of Brazil in final in tie breaker (6-4, 3-6, 10-4).
Japan Open History and Previous Winners
The Japan Open has a long history, being part of the ATP Tour since 1973. From 1973 through 1989, the event was a part of the Grand Prix tour. Back then , the tournament had a different name, going by the Tokyo Outdoor Grand Prix. The event stopped conducting both women’s and men’s matches in 2010, being succeeded by the Japan Women’s Open, a separate tournament that’s a part of the WTA Tour. Novak Djokovic is the current singles champion , followed by Nicolas Mahut and Edouard Roger-Vasselin, the Doubles champions.
Japan Open Prize Money and Points
This year’s Open has its prize money set at $1,953,285.
| Stage | Singles Prize Money | Doubles Prize Money | ATP Points |
| Winner | $365,275 | $119,980 | 500 |
| Finals | $182,825 | $63,990 | 300 |
| Semi Finals | $94,840 | $32,370 | 180 |
| Quarter Finals | $49,515 | $16,190 | 90 |
| 2nd Round | $26,095 | —— | 45 |
| 1st Round | $15,235 | $8,380 | 0 |
Japan Open Dates
The championship main draws will be held from the 3rd of October to the 9th making it a week long event. The qualifying rounds will be conducted in the first 2 days of the October month.
Japan Open Schedule
| Date | Singles Matches | Doubles Matches |
| 3rd October | 1st Round | 1st Round |
| 4th October | 1st Round | 1st Round |
| 5th October | 1st Round and 2nd Round | 1st Round and 2nd Round |
| 6th October | 2nd Round | 2nd Round |
| 7th October | Quarter Finals | 2nd Round and Semi Finals |
| 8th October | Semi Finals | Semi Finals |
| 9th October | Finale | Finale |
Japan Open Wheelchair tennis Schedule
Japan Open also holds tournaments for wheelchair tennis and the schedule is as follows:
| Date | Singles Matches | Doubles Matches |
| 6th October | 1st Round | Semi Finals |
| 7th October | Semi Finals | Finale |
| 8th October | Finale | ——- |
Keep in mind the above schedule is just an estimation based on the 2019 Japan Open and could be subject to change.
Japan Open Players
This year the event boasts an impressive selection of top ranking players, especially Casper Ruud, currently the World no. 2. However, the reigning champion Novak Djokovic will not be returning to defend his title as he will be participating in the Astana Open in Kazakhstan, held at the same time as the Japan Open.
Top Seeds
| Seed | Name | ATP Ranking |
| 1 | Casper Ruud | 2 |
| 2 | Cameron Norrie | 8 |
| 3 | Taylor Fritz | 12 |
| 4 | Frances Tiafoe | 19 |
| 5 | Nick Kyrgios | 20 |
| 6 | Alex de Minaur | 22 |
| 7 | Denis Shapovalov | 24 |
| 8 | Daniel Evans | 25 |
Remaining Players
| Name | ATP Ranking |
| Boma Coric | 26 |
| Miomir Kecmanovic | 32 |
| Jenson Brooksby | 46 |
| Brandon Nakashima | 48 |
| Marcos Giron | 53 |
| Yoshihito Nishioka | 56 |
| Jaume Munar | 59 |
| Joao Sousa | 61 |
| Pedro Martinez | 67 |
| Bernabe Zapata Miralles | 78 |
| Thanasi Kokkinakis | 80 |
| Mackenzie McDonald | 82 |
| Alexei Popyrin | 90 |
| James Duckworth | 101 |
| Soonwo Kwon | 121 |
Wild Card Entries
As of September 29 the wild card participants are:
- Rank no.92 Taro Daniel
- Rank no.163 Kaichi Uchida
- Rank no.227 Yosuke Watanuki
Shingo Kunieda, the wheelchair tennis superstar, former ITF no. 1, and current no. 2 is also confirmed to be participating in the tournament. Alexander Zverev and Kei Nishikori, 2-times Japan Open champion were set to join the tournament but withdrew after injury.
Japan Open Draws
The Open will have 32 Singles and 16 Doubles draws.
Japan Open Tickets
Tickets for the event have been on sale since 10th September. For purchasing tickets and other accommodations, click on the link mentioned below.
2022 Japan Open Tickets: https://rakutenopen.com/en/tickets/