Alcaraz Reaches Tokyo Semifinals as Shapovalov Retires With Hip Injury

Carlos Alcaraz moved into the Japan Open final four after Denis Shapovalov withdrew due to injury while trailing 7-6 (4), 2-1.

Top-seeded Carlos Alcaraz advanced to the Japan Open semifinals on Sunday after Denis Shapovalov retired during the second set of their quarterfinal match. The defending champion led 7-6 (4), 2-1 after 82 minutes of play when the Canadian player withdrew due to a hip injury. Shapovalov appeared to sustain the injury while stretching for a running forehand early in the second set and remained restricted following an off-court medical timeout.

The opening set lasted ten games before reaching a tiebreak, with Shapovalov failing to convert a set point at 5-4. Alcaraz erased that threat with a drop shot before securing the tiebreak. This victory continues a successful return for the Spaniard, who recently helped Team Europe win the Laver Cup by defeating Taylor Fritz following his own four-month layoff due to a wrist injury.

Alcaraz will face fellow Spaniard Jaume Munar in the next round. Munar, a qualifier, earned his spot in the semifinals earlier on Sunday by defeating France's Kyrian Jacquet with a score of 6-4, 6-2.