Carlos Alcaraz advanced to the semi-finals of the Japan Open in Tokyo after Denis Shapovalov retired early in the second set of their quarter-final on Sunday. The top-seeded Spaniard was leading 7-6(3), 2-1 when Shapovalov ended the match after 82 minutes due to a hip injury.
The opening set was highly competitive, featuring six breaks of serve. Shapovalov led 5-3 and had a set point, but Alcaraz saved the opportunity with a drop shot before dominating the tie-break. The defending champion then took control in the second set before Shapovalov was forced to retire.
Alcaraz said he was frustrated with his serve but pleased with his ability to recover after being broken. The victory extended his unbeaten run at the Tokyo ATP 500 event to eight matches.
Alcaraz will face fellow Spaniard Jaume Munar in the semi-final. Munar, a qualifier, defeated Kyrian Jacquet 6-4, 6-2 and had earlier eliminated third seed Taylor Fritz.