Alcaraz advances to Tokyo Open semifinals after Shapovalov injury

Alcaraz is the defending champion and will next face Jaume Munar in the semis. | Photo Credit: AFP

Carlos Alcaraz advanced to the Japan Open semifinals Denis Shapovalov was forced to retire with a hip injury midway through their quarterfinal match.

Alcaraz was leading 7-6 (4), 2-1 in the second set when the Canadian withdrew. Alcaraz is the defending champion and will next face Jaume Munar in the semis.

Before Shapovalov picked the injury, the Canadian was matching the Spaniard shot for shot.

In the first set, Shapovalov was leading 5-4 and was serving for the set, but blew away his opportunity as Alcaraz broke back to level 5-5. The match then went to the tiebreak which Alcaraz won to take the first set 7-6.

In the second set, Shapovalov appeared to pull his hip while returning a forehand in the first game, which prompted the Canadian to take a medical timeout. Unfortunately, he was unable to continue and pulled out of the match, handing Alcaraz the win.