Carlos Alcaraz Withdraws from Shanghai Masters
Carlos Alcaraz announced he will not participate in the upcoming Shanghai Masters, shortly after securing victory at the Japan Open. The young Spanish tennis star had a concerning moment during the early rounds of the Japan Open, where he sustained a left foot injury in his match against Sebastian Baez. Although the injury raised fears of him retiring from the tournament, Alcaraz demonstrated resilience by continuing to compete.
Victory at the Japan Open
His perseverance paid off as he navigated through five challenging matches, ultimately defeating American player Taylor Fritz 6-4, 6-4 in the final, which marked his eighth title win of the season.
Withdrawal Announcement
Following his success in Tokyo, expectations grew for Alcaraz to carry this momentum into the Shanghai ATP Masters 1000 event. However, he surprised fans by announcing his withdrawal from the competition shortly after clinching the Japan Open title. Through a post on Instagram, Alcaraz revealed that after discussions with his team regarding ongoing physical ailments, they reached a consensus that it was in his best interest to prioritize recovery.
“I am very disappointed to share that I won’t be playing at the Shanghai Masters this year! Unfortunately, I’ve been dealing with some physical challenges, and after consulting with my team, we believe it’s best for me to take the time to rest,” he wrote, expressing his regret for missing the opportunity to play before enthusiastic fans in Shanghai. “I really hope to return soon and connect with my fans in China next year!”
Reflections on the Season
The timing of Alcaraz’s withdrawal was unexpected, coming just minutes after his triumph in Tokyo, where he reflected joyfully on a stellar year.
“This has undoubtedly been my best season. Eight titles, ten finals… it highlights how hard I’ve worked to achieve my goals. Although my start to the year was rocky, I’m proud of my journey and everyone who has supported me,” he noted.
Future Plans
With his decision to take a step back from competition, Alcaraz is expected to head home for rest, marking a pause in his tournament schedule with the Shanghai Masters. He also notably does not appear on the entry lists for the upcoming events in Vienna and Basel. He joins the likes of Novak Djokovic and Jack Draper, who are also skipping this leg of the tour, making it an unusual week for the Top 10 players.
For now, Alcaraz’s focus will shift towards returning to the court for the Paris Masters, set to begin on October 27th, after the exhibition match, Six Kings Slam, later in October.
