Carlos Alcaraz enters the Shanghai Masters feeling "mentally fresh" following his recent triumph at the Japan Open, marking his first tournament victory since returning from a wrist injury that sidelined him for several months. The 23-year-old Spanish tennis star, ranked world number three, secured the Japan Open title on Tuesday by defeating Jiri Lehecka 7-6 (7/4), 6-4 in the final.

Alcaraz, who was out of competition from April until the US Open in August due to his wrist injury, acknowledged that his body is still adapting to the physical demands of high-level matches. Despite this, he expressed confidence in his current form and preparation ahead of the Shanghai event, which takes place in China.

“I’m feeling very good. Physically I’m well, I’m feeling mentally fresh,” Alcaraz told reporters. He also noted that in past years, this segment of the tennis calendar had not been his strongest, but he feels ready to embrace the challenges ahead.

The Spanish player is set to begin his Shanghai campaign in the second round against either Argentina’s Juan Manuel Cerundolo or Colombian qualifier Nicolas Mejia. His chances in the tournament have been bolstered by the withdrawal of world number one Jannik Sinner, who announced on Tuesday that he would end his 2026 season due to a knee injury.

Alcaraz’s key competitors in the tournament include Germany’s Alexander Zverev, ranked world number two, and Serbian veteran Novak Djokovic, who claimed his 102nd career title earlier this week in Beijing. With several top contenders facing setbacks, Alcaraz’s path to potential success in Shanghai appears more open.