Canada’s Denis Shapovalov exits the Japan Open tournament after conceding a walkover to top-seeded Carlos Alcaraz due to an injury during their quarterfinal match in Tokyo. Alcaraz was ahead 7-6 (3), 2-1 when Shapovalov had to retire. Shapovalov, who had a successful run in the tournament, had to end his match prematurely after converting on three of his four break-point opportunities and saving four of Alcaraz’s seven chances. Meanwhile, Alcaraz is set to face Jaume Munar in the semifinals.
In another match, second-ranked Aryna Sabalenka suffered a defeat in straight sets against Czech Republic’s Nikola Bartunkova in the third round of the China Open. Bartunkova, ranked No. 34, triumphed over the four-time Grand Slam champion with a score of 6-4, 6-3, eliminating both top seeds of the tournament within the first week. Sabalenka, who recently lost to Elena Rybakina at the U.S. Open, failed to capitalize on five break points in the first set, extending her struggles in Beijing where she has never advanced past the quarterfinals.
Bartunkova expressed her satisfaction with the victory over Sabalenka and will now face Sinja Kraus in the upcoming round. Additionally, Mirra Andreeva secured a comfortable win over Polina Kudermetova, advancing to the fourth round with a 6-4, 6-1 victory. In the men’s tournament, Hubert Hurkacz defeated Karen Khachanov to secure a spot in the semi-finals. Later, top seed Alexander Zverev is set to play his quarterfinal match against Novak Djokovic.
