Carlos Alcaraz has officially withdrawn from the Shanghai Masters following his recent triumph at the Japan Open. This victory marked Alcaraz’s eighth title of the season. He defeated fellow player Taylor Fritz with a score of 6-4, 6-4 in Tokyo, showcasing his exceptional form.
Carlos Alcaraz’s Injury Concerns
Despite his successful outing in Japan, Alcaraz disclosed that he has been experiencing some physical issues. The 22-year-old faced an injury scare during his opening match against Sebastian Baez, where he sprained his left ankle. He chose to continue playing despite recommendations from his team to retire.
Gratitude to the Physiotherapist
After winning the Japan Open, Alcaraz expressed his gratitude towards his physiotherapist, Juanjo Moreno. He referred to Moreno as “the best physio in the world” for his crucial role in treating the ankle injury throughout the tournament.
Prioritizing Recovery
In a statement shared on Instagram, Alcaraz emphasized the importance of taking time off to focus on his health. He expressed disappointment about missing the Shanghai Masters, stating, “I was really looking forward to playing in front of the amazing fans in Shanghai again.”
Impact on the Shanghai Masters
Alcaraz’s withdrawal presents an opportunity for Jannik Sinner. If Sinner can defend his title in Shanghai, he may close the gap between himself and Alcaraz for the World No. 1 ranking. Last year, Sinner triumphed over Novak Djokovic in the Shanghai final and is currently preparing for the China Open final against Learner Tien.
Changes in Tournament Draw
With Alcaraz’s exit, Corentin Moutet steps in as the 33rd seed, taking Alcaraz’s position at the top of the draw. Meanwhile, Sinner remains at the bottom, where he could potentially face Fritz in the quarter-finals and Djokovic in the semi-finals.
Highlights of the Shanghai Masters Draw
- Corentin Moutet is the 33rd seed, replacing Alcaraz at the top.
- Jannik Sinner could meet Taylor Fritz in the quarter-finals.
- Novak Djokovic is also in the draw after performing well throughout the season.
- Alexander Zverev is the highest-ranked player in the upper half of the draw.
This shift in the lineup sets the stage for a competitive Shanghai Masters, with many players eager to capitalize on Alcaraz’s absence.
