Alcaraz advances to Tokyo semifinals after Shapovalov injury

TOKYO (AP) — Carlos Alcaraz, the top-seeded player, advanced to the semifinals of the Japan Open on Sunday, marking his successful comeback from a four-month wrist injury hiatus. Alcaraz moved up to the final four after his opponent, Denis Shapovalov, was compelled to withdraw from the quarterfinal due to a hip injury. The defending champion had led 7-6 (4), 2-1 after 82 minutes before Shapovalov's retirement.

Alcaraz showcased his resilience in the second set, employing a delicate drop shot to neutralize the pressure before clinching the set with a strong tiebreak. The physical demands of the intense baseline rallies took their toll on Shapovalov, who appeared to pull his hip while attempting a running forehand. Despite a medical timeout after the first game, the Canadian's condition worsened upon his return, rendering him unable to continue.

Alcaraz will face Jaume Munar, a qualifier from Spain, in the semifinals. Munar had defeated Kyrian Jacquet of France 6-4, 6-2 earlier in the day.