Alcaraz into Tokyo semifinals after injured Shapovalov retires

Spaniard Carlos Alcaraz, the top seed, reached the semifinals of the Tokyo ATP 500 on Sunday when Canadian Denis Shapovalov was forced to retire through injury. Alcaraz led 7-6 (3), 2-1 when Shapovalov stopped, after a chaotic tiebreak had decided an even first set.

The defending champion and world No. 3 showed his sympathy afterward by signing the camera lens with a message for his opponent: “Be back soon Denis.”

Alcaraz is now into the Tokyo semifinals for the second year in a row. He had beaten Italian Matteo Arnaldi 7-6 (6), 6-1 and American Alex Michelsen 7-6 (1), 4-6, 6-1 to reach the last eight.

The Spaniard, still making his way back after a long injury, said his level was far from where he wants it to be.

Alcaraz – Munar next

“Well I think I’m gonna say way far. It’s far from where I want to be. But I’m doing great things on the court. I’m practicing well,” he said. “You gotta find a way. I’m happy with the way that I’m playing. Happy with how I’m feeling on court. Hopefully the tournaments and matches I have ahead are gonna be a great test for me. I’m gonna try to use it to get better and feel better on court.”

Shapovalov, ranked No. 46, had edged out Chilean Alejandro Tabilo 7-5, 3-6, 6-4 and beaten Japanese wild card Sho Shimabukuro 7-5, 6-1 earlier in the tournament.

Alcaraz will face fellow Spaniard Jaume Munar, a qualifier, in the semifinals.