Carlos Alcaraz advanced to the semifinals of the ATP Japan Open after Denis Shapovalov retired from the match at 7-6(3), 2-1 due to injury.
First-Set Drama and Shapovalov’s Injury
The opening set featured a fierce battle and numerous lead changes. Shapovalov was the first to break in the fifth game, but a series of dropped serves followed from both sides. The set was ultimately decided in a tiebreak, which Alcaraz won 7-3. Early in the second set, while attempting to reach a running forehand, the Canadian player overstretched. After the first game, he called for a medical timeout and left the court for treatment. However, due to his visibly restricted movement, Shapovalov decided to retire at 2-1 down to avoid worsening the injury.
Munar Cruises Past Jacquet
The Spanish success was completed by Jaume Munar, who secured his spot in the semifinals with a 6-4, 6-2 victory over Frenchman Kyrian Jacquet. Jacquet was the first to earn three break points in the opening set but failed to convert them. Munar capitalized on this in the seventh game, securing the crucial break and serving out the first set confidently. In the second set, the French player’s level dropped completely, allowing Munar to cruise to a routine victory with a double break advantage.
End of the Road for Vallejo and Vacherot’s Big Comeback
Paraguayan tennis player Adolfo Daniel Vallejo’s sensational run was brutally halted in the quarterfinals. Jiri Lehecka played a flawless match, dismantling the Paraguayan by dropping only two games for a final score of 6-1, 6-1.
In the most thrilling match of the day, Valentin Vacherot defeated Arthur Fils 7-5, 4-6, 6-4, pulling off a crucial comeback in the first set. Fils gained an early advantage and served for the opening set at 5-4. However, Vacherot broke back to level the score at 5-5, convincingly held his serve, and then broke the Frenchman again to take the set 7-5. With an excellent break-point save percentage throughout the match, Vacherot maintained his composure in the deciding third set to secure his advancement.
Semifinal Schedule
Since both Spanish players advanced and will face each other, Spain is guaranteed a representative in the grand final in Tokyo. The semifinal matches scheduled for October 5 feature the following matchups:
- 09:00: Carlos Alcaraz vs. Jaume Munar
- 11:00: Jiri Lehecka vs. Valentin Vacherot
For the complete draw, latest results, and detailed analyses, visit our main ATP Japan Open 2026 hub.
