World number one Carlos Alcaraz defeated Taylor Fritz 6-4, 6-4 to win the Japan Open before announcing his withdrawal from this week’s Shanghai Masters.
The Spaniard claimed his eighth ATP title of the season in Tokyo but later confirmed he would not compete in Shanghai, which begins on Tuesday.
“Unfortunately, I’ve been struggling with some physical issues and, after discussing with my team, we believe the best decision is to rest and recover,” Alcaraz wrote on Instagram.
Alcaraz twisted his left ankle during his opening-round match in Tokyo last Thursday but showed no sign of discomfort in Sunday’s final. After breaking Fritz for 5-4, he served out the first set and maintained control throughout.
Fritz, who required treatment twice on his left thigh, was broken twice in the second set and trailed 4-1. Although the American clawed back one break, he was unable to stop Alcaraz sealing victory.
Since his Wimbledon defeat to Jannik Sinner in July, Alcaraz has won three consecutive titles — the Cincinnati Open, US Open, and now the Japan Open. His latest triumph marked his 67th win of the season, bringing him closer to Sinner’s tour-leading 73 victories in 2024.
Alcaraz reached the quarter-finals of the Shanghai Masters last year but will not feature this time due to his injury concerns.
Meanwhile, Sinner advanced to the final of the China Open in Beijing with a 6-3, 4-6, 6-2 win over Alex de Minaur. The Italian, aiming for a second title at the event after winning in 2023, lost last year’s final to Alcaraz.
He will face 19-year-old American Learner Tien, who reached his first ATP Tour final after Daniil Medvedev retired during their semi-final.
Medvedev, who won the first set 7-5 before Tien levelled with a 7-5 second, struggled with cramp in the decider and abandoned the match while trailing 4-0.
The Russian, fined $42,500 for his behaviour at the US Open, became embroiled in a heated exchange with the umpire after being warned for not giving his best effort.
“I’m giving my best efforts, I’m telling you,” Medvedev argued with the supervisor. “Who are you to decide? Why is every referee in the world trying to intimidate me? After the US Open, I’m trying to be good. This guy is doing that and I’m supposed to act good?”
Tien advanced to Wednesday’s final as Medvedev walked off the court in frustration.
Source: BBC
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