Denis Shapovalov was forced to retire from his Japan Open quarterfinal against top seed Carlos Alcaraz after suffering a hip injury early in the second set on Sunday in Tokyo. The Richmond Hill, Ontario, player had competed evenly through the opening set, which Alcaraz won 7-6(3) after saving a set point at 5-4, 30/40 on return. Shapovalov pulled his hip while stretching for a forehand on the run in the opening game of the second set, took an off-court medical timeout, and attempted to return but was unable to continue.
How the match unfolded
Alcaraz led 7-6(3), 2-1 when Shapovalov retired after 82 minutes. The first set was tightly contested, with Shapovalov converting three of four break-point chances while saving four of Alcaraz's seven opportunities. Alcaraz escaped danger in the tiebreak with a drop shot at set point before winning the breaker. Shapovalov had reached the quarterfinals by defeating Chilean Alejandro Tabilo 7-5, 3-6, 6-4 and Japanese wild card Sho Shimabukuro 7-5, 6-1.
What's next for Alcaraz
Alcaraz, the defending champion, advanced to the semifinals and will face Spanish qualifier Jaume Munar. The No. 3 player in the PIF ATP Rankings has now won eight consecutive matches at the ATP 500 event. Alcaraz, still working his way back after a four-month wrist injury earlier in the year, acknowledged that his level remains below his peak but expressed satisfaction with his recent progress on court.
Sources
- ATP Tour: Carlos Alcaraz advances to Tokyo SF after Denis Shapovalov retires. ATP Staff, 2026-10-04.
- TSN: Canada's Shapovalov retires from Japan Open quarterfinal vs. Alcaraz due to injury. The Canadian Press, 2026-10-04.
- Tennis Majors: Alcaraz into Tokyo semifinals after injured Shapovalov retires. Tennis Majors, 2026-10-04.
Reported from public sources.