Top-seeded Carlos Alcaraz advanced to the semifinals of the Japan Open on Sunday, continuing his strong return from a four-month wrist injury layoff. Alcaraz played in the Laver Cup last week, helping Europe claim the trophy with a singles win over Taylor Fritz. Alcaraz moved into the final four after his opponent Denis Shapovalov was forced to retire due to a hip injury during their quarterfinal match.
The defending champion was leading 7-6 (4), 2-1 after 82 minutes when the Canadian player withdrew.
Alcaraz defused the threat with a delicate drop shot before taking the set with a commanding tiebreak. The physical toll of the baseline exchanges caught up with Shapovalov early in the second set, where he appeared to pull his hip while stretching for a running forehand. Despite taking an off-court medical timeout after the opening game, the Canadian was visibly restricted upon his return to the court and was unable to continue.
Shapovalov had pushed the Spaniard in a grueling opening set, earning a set point at 5-4. Alcaraz will play compatriot Jaume Munar in the semifinals, after the qualifier beat Kyrian Jacquet of France 6-4, 6-2 earlier Sunday. (This story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
