Carlos Alcaraz has opted to pull out of the Shanghai Masters following his triumph at the Japan Open. The Spaniard picked up an ankle injury during his first-round match against Sebastian Báez but, after medical evaluation, was cleared by his team to continue competing in Tokyo.
Speaking to the Open Court Podcast, coach Samuel López explained that after consulting with his physiotherapists and coaching staff, Alcaraz chose to push through the discomfort — a decision that ultimately led to him clinching the title, making the victory even more meaningful.
Still, mindful of the strain on his ankle and the potential for aggravation, the world-class player has decided to skip the Shanghai Masters to prioritize recovery.
“In Tokyo against Baez, he sprained his ankle, and we thought he was going to retire that same day, but he managed to save the match.
We had a day of rest the next day, and in the end, between the physio, Juan Carlos, me and him, we said that we could still continue, but it was also dependent on him, if he was able to endure the pain a little.
We were able to control it, taking anti-inflammatory drugs, and he was able to hold out through the tournament with a grade two sprain, and had a lot of treatment every day.
Of course, he could not go to Shanghai. He reached the final [In Tokyo] and won. We were taking a lot of risks, not because of the sprain, which was pretty much under control, but because in the end, subconsciously, you are going to put weight on it differently, and it can affect your knee.”- Lopez said, as quoted by Tennis Gazette.
Alcaraz captured the Japan Open title with a commanding 6-4, 6-4 victory over Taylor Fritz, avenging his earlier loss to the American at the Laver Cup.
The world No. 1 has made his ambitions for the future clear, though questions remain about when he will return to action and whether he can regain peak form after his recent setback. What is certain, however, is that a fully fit Carlos Alcaraz remains one of the most formidable talents in world tennis.
