Carlos Alcaraz advanced to the semifinals of the Japan Open on Sunday after Denis Shapovalov retired due to injury during their quarterfinal match. The world number three was leading 7-6 (7-3), 2-1 when Shapovalov withdrew with an upper right thigh injury sustained in the opening game of the second set.

The match began competitively, with Shapovalov, ranked 46th, employing a varied game that included deep shots, drop shots, and a mix of power and spin, challenging Alcaraz’s rhythm. Despite the pressure, Alcaraz saved four set points at 5-4 in the first set and secured the tiebreak with a passing shot before the Canadian’s injury forced him to stop competing.

Alcaraz, the defending champion, will face fellow Spaniard Jaume Munar in the semifinal. Munar, ranked 64th in the world, reached this stage after defeating France’s Kyrian Jacquet, who is ranked 86th. Munar’s victory ended Jacquet’s strong tournament run.

In another quarterfinal match, Valentin Vacherot caused an upset by defeating Arthur Fils of France 7-5, 4-6, 6-4. Fils, ranked 18th, held two set points late in the first set at 5-3 but was unable to close it out, losing four straight games before Vacherot clinched the set with an excellent down-the-line return. Fils rallied in the second set and fired up the crowd but ultimately fell in a closely contested match lasting two hours and 20 minutes.

Vacherot will meet Jiri Lehecka in the semifinals after the Czech player delivered a dominant 6-1, 6-1 win over Paraguay’s Adolfo Daniel Vallejo in under an hour. Lehecka, ranked 23rd, appeared in strong form as he moved effortlessly into the final four.

The Japan Open continues to showcase a blend of seasoned contenders and rising talent as the tournament nears its conclusion.