'I’ve been struggling with some physical issues': Carlos Alcaraz withdraws from Shanghai Masters after captures Japan Open title

Carlos Alcaraz has announced he will not participate in the Shanghai Masters next week, citing physical issues following the Japan Open final against Taylor Fritz. The World No. 1 won his 8th title of the season this Tuesday with a dominant 6-4, 6-1 victory over the American star.

However, it was a complicated week for Alcaraz, who had to overcome a fall in his opening match against Sebastian Baez barely after the match began. The incident initially suggested an ankle injury, which ultimately did not prevent him from continuing the match and securing a victory in his debut.

In the hours that followed, there was speculation that Alcaraz might withdraw before his second-round match. The 22-year-old star himself announced he would wait to see his recovery before deciding whether to take the court two days later against Zizou Bergs in the Round of 16.

Alcaraz finally cleared up doubts and returned to the court two days later, appearing physically well. He had no major complications in his subsequent duels against Brandon Nakashima, Casper Ruud, or Taylor Fritz, and ended up lifting his 8th title of the season and 24th of his career.

After participating in the awards ceremony in Tokyo, "Carlitos" took to social media to announce that due to physical problems, he and his team opted to skip the Shanghai Masters—the penultimate Masters 1000 of the year. “I’m very disappointed to announce that I won’t be able to play the Rolex Shanghai Masters this year!” he posted on his Instagram stories.

“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. I was really looking forward to playing in front of the amazing fans in Shanghai again. I hope to be back soon and see my Chinese fans next year!”

Alcaraz was registered as the top seed for the tournament, which would have been his potential reunion with Jannik Sinner in the same draw for the first time since defeating him in the US Open final a few weeks ago. The Spaniard will now conclude his Asian Swing early and has his final tournaments—back in Europe—pending.

The Paris Masters, starting October 27th, would be the next confirmed challenge for Alcaraz and is the last Masters 1000 of the season. Following that, without further changes, Alcaraz would only have the ATP Finals left to play—a tournament he qualified for months ago—which will take place in Turin.

In Shanghai, the defending champion is Sinner, so he won't be able to gain points even if he wins the title. Therefore, Alcaraz's absence in Shanghai will not jeopardize his position at the top of the ranking—at least for the time being.