It was an undeserved end to a tight encounter between Denis Shapovalov and Carlos Alcaraz in the Japan Open Tennis Championships quarter-finals on Sunday.
Shapovalov had a few opportunities to clinch the opener but was broken when serving for the set at 5-3, then let a set point slip on return in the following game. The 27-year-old from Richmond Hill ultimately dropped the first in a tiebreaker before his push for a comeback was cut short as he was forced to retire at 7-6(3), 2-1 with an apparent hip injury.
The Canadian No. 2 dealt with an ankle injury just two months ago that had him retire in his opening match at the National Bank Open presented by Rogers in Montreal.
Shapovalov held his nerve early in the opening set in Tokyo. The Richmond Hillian fought off a break point in the third and fifth game, both at 30-40, before the break frenzy began with Alcaraz serving at 2-3. There was just one service hold the rest of the way, which came when the Spaniard saved set point and extended the opener at 4-5. Alcaraz even had the chance to serve out the set in the 12th game but was broken at love as Shapovalov forced a tiebreaker.
Read also: Fernandez Bows Out Early in Beijing
The Canadian couldn’t find much rhythm on serve to back up his early mini-break and 2-0 lead. The world No. 46 lost four-straight points behind his delivery to present Alcaraz with multiple set points at 6-3. The six-time major champion caught Shapovalov out at the net with a crosscourt backhand winner to seal the first.
Shapovalov still battled in the second despite not moving as freely as he was earlier in the match. The Canuck comfortably held from 0-1, 40-15, but his day came to an end early after Alcaraz held to love in the ensuing game.
“Advancing to the semifinals in this way is not what I wanted, but sports can be tough sometimes and you have to accept it,” the world No. 3 said post-match. “I just hope Shapovalov is okay.”
Alcaraz signed the camera with “Be back soon Denis” before exiting the court.
Read also: This Week in Tennis - Fernandez Triumphs in Singapore
Feature Photo: Martin Sidorjak
