Alcaraz Advances as Shapovalov is Forced to Retire with Injury in Tokyo

Chris OddoOctober 4, 20262 minute learn

Carlos Alcaraz continued his quest for a title protection on the Japan Open in Tokyo, advancing when Denis Shapovalov was pressured to retire with an harm whereas trailing by a set and 2-1.

High-seeded Alcaraz was put to the check early towards the Canadian and finally emerged from the first-set tiebreak with the set in hand after failing to serve it out at 6-5. It was one in every of six breaks within the first set.

Shapovalov held a 5-3 lead within the set after his second break, however Alcaraz recorded breaks in his subsequent two service video games to take the benefit.

Final yr’s Tokyo champion didn’t let his serving points hassle him within the tiebreak, as he took seven of the ultimate eight factors to lock up the set, closing it with a showstopping backhand crosscourt winner that introduced the group to its ft.

“It was a bit of bit irritating with my serve. I couldn’t discover a great way of serving: I used to be struggling virtually each recreation on serve,” Alcaraz stated. “However I’m simply proud of the best way I got here again after each break. It was an ideal first set: Nice factors, nice rallies.”

Issues went downhill for Shapovalov early within the second set, as he stretched for a forehand on the primary level and appeared to undergo a proper leg harm. Shapovalov instantly grabbed on the space round his proper hip, taking time between factors earlier than limping off the courtroom for an off-court medical timeout after the primary recreation.

Two video games later, the Canadian made the choice to finish the competition after 82 minutes.