Carlos Alcaraz Critiques Level After Shapovalov Retires From Japan Open Match

Carlos Alcaraz advanced to the Japan Open semifinals on Friday, October 4, 2026, after Denis Shapovalov was forced to retire mid-match. The defending champion was leading 7-6(3), 2-1 when the Canadian withdrew due to a hip injury, ending an 82-minute battle that had remained highly competitive through the first set.

Shapovalov appeared to sustain the injury during the opening game of the second set while stretching for a wide forehand. Although he attempted to play through the discomfort for two more games, the physical limitation became too great to continue. According to Tennis Canada, the retirement cut short a quarterfinal that had tested Alcaraz’s defensive capabilities throughout the opening hour.

The quarterfinal match lasted 82 minutes before physical limitations forced a withdrawal.

The first set was characterized by volatility on both sides of the net. The players traded six service breaks as neither could find a consistent rhythm behind their delivery. Alcaraz eventually managed to stabilize in the tiebreak, winning it 7-3, but his post-match analysis suggested he is still searching for the elite form that saw him win the Tokyo title in 2025.

Alcaraz Critiques Recent Form

Currently navigating his return to competition following a layoff due to a wrist injury, Alcaraz offered a candid assessment of his play. Despite the victory, the Spaniard noted that the technical aspects of his game, specifically his serve and shot-making consistency, have yet to fully recover from the time away from the tour.

Alcaraz stated after the match that his current level is “far from where I want to be.” The Spaniard’s self-criticism follows a match where his serve was broken three times in a single set, a rare occurrence for the top seed when playing at full strength.

The progression moves Alcaraz into a semifinal matchup against fellow Spaniard Jaume Munar. Munar, a qualifier, reached the final four. The upcoming match guarantees at least one Spanish finalist in Tokyo as Alcaraz continues his pursuit of back-to-back titles at the event.

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