Alcaraz reaches Tokyo ATP 500 semifinals after Shapovalov retires

Carlos Alcaraz advanced to the semifinals of the Tokyo ATP 500 tournament on October 4 after Denis Shapovalov withdrew due to injury during their quarterfinal match. Alcaraz was leading 7-6(3), 2-1 when Shapovalov retired in the third game of the second set after suffering a groin injury while running. The match lasted 1 hour 22 minutes, with the first set decided in a tiebreak that Alcaraz won 7-3.

The quarterfinal was competitive throughout. Shapovalov dominated the opening game with powerful serve and precision, but Alcaraz found his rhythm in the second game, reaching serve speeds of 200 kilometers per hour. The set featured multiple breaks of serve—Alcaraz broke Shapovalov four times and lost serve three times before forcing the tiebreak. Alcaraz won the first game of the second set before the match was halted due to Shapovalov's physical distress. After approximately ten minutes, Shapovalov returned but could not continue.

Alcaraz will face fellow Spanish player Jaume Munar in the semifinals, scheduled for October 7. Munar advanced by defeating France's Kyrian Jacquet 6-4, 6-2 in straight sets. This marks Alcaraz's first ATP semifinal in six months, following his return from a right wrist injury at the US Open. The victory extends his winning streak in Tokyo to seven consecutive matches and his overall record since returning from injury to eight wins.

In a post-match interview, Alcaraz expressed frustration with the manner of his victory, stating "this is not the way" he prefers to win, while wishing Shapovalov a swift recovery. Alcaraz remains the defending champion in Tokyo and can clinch his 27th career title if he wins the tournament. Munar, competing from the preliminary round, reached his ninth ATP semifinal. The head-to-head record between the two Spanish players favors Alcaraz 3-1, with Munar's sole victory coming at the 2021 Marbella tournament.