TOKYO — Carlos Alcaraz secured his place in the Japan Open semi-finals after Denis Shapovalov retired injured just three games into the second set, ensuring a Spaniard will contest the final as the 23-year-old prepares to face Jaume Munar for the first time in over a year.
Alcaraz was again not at his best earlier today but advanced when Shapovalov pulled up injured at the back end of the first set, tried to persist into the second, then approached the net to offer a premature handshake. After sending a heartfelt message to Shapovalov, the seven-time Grand Slam champion addressed his shifting positioning on returns, saying it was done 'to make the opponent think and not let them settle into a comfortable stance,' before outlining his approach for the semi-final: "I’ll go aggressive."
Munar cannot be discounted despite Alcaraz entering as favourite. The Spaniard has enjoyed an outstanding run in Tokyo and is one of only two Spaniards to have ever beaten Alcaraz, doing so at the Marbella Open in 2021. The other is Rafael Nadal, who overcame the seven-time Grand Slam champion twice.
Alcaraz has beaten Munar three times since that meeting in Marbella. Those who have tried and failed to beat him among his compatriots include Albert Ramos, Bernabé Zapata, Roberto Bautista, Pablo Carreño, Alejandro Davidovich, Feliciano López, Roberto Carballés and Pedro Martínez.