Key Takeaways
- Carlos Alcaraz advanced to the Japan Open semi-finals after Denis Shapovalov retired 3 games into the second set due to injury.
- Carlos Alcaraz explained that his frequent changes in return positioning are intended “to make the opponent think and not let them settle into a comfortable stance.”
- Looking forward to facing compatriot Jaume Munar, Carlos Alcaraz declared: “I’ll go aggressive.”
Carlos Alcaraz secures semi-final spot after Denis Shapovalov retirement
Carlos Alcaraz booked his place in the Japan Open semi-finals after his quarter-final opponent, Denis Shapovalov, was forced to retire due to an injury. While Alcaraz was not at his absolute best, he established control early before Shapovalov pulled up late in the opening set.
The Canadian attempted to continue into the second set, but after just 3 games, he halted the match and approached the net to shake hands. Following the win, the 23-year-old seven-time Grand Slam champion sent a heartfelt message to Shapovalov before turning his attention to his upcoming semi-final opponent, Jaume Munar.
Tactical plans and return adjustments
Addressing the media, Alcaraz discussed his strategy on court, particularly regarding his deliberate habit of altering his return positions. He explained that shifting his depth and stance is intentional, saying it is done “to make the opponent think and not let them settle into a comfortable stance.”
When questioned about how he intends to handle his upcoming match against his compatriot Munar, Alcaraz made his offensive mindset clear, stating: “I’ll go aggressive.”
The rare group of Spaniards to beat Carlos Alcaraz
An all-Spanish clash guarantees that a Spaniard will reach the Japan Open final. Munar enters the match in impressive form, having previously defeated Alcaraz at the Marbella Open in 2021. Alcaraz has since won 3 consecutive meetings against him, but Munar remains part of an exclusive group.
Only 2 Spanish players have ever managed to beat Alcaraz on the ATP Tour, while several others have faced him without success.
| Player | Result against Carlos Alcaraz |
|---|---|
| Jaume Munar | Defeated Carlos Alcaraz (Marbella Open 2021) |
| Rafael Nadal | Defeated Carlos Alcaraz twice |
| Albert Ramos | Failed to defeat Carlos Alcaraz |
| Bernabé Zapata | Failed to defeat Carlos Alcaraz |
| Roberto Bautista | Failed to defeat Carlos Alcaraz |
| Pablo Carreño | Failed to defeat Carlos Alcaraz |
| Alejandro Davidovich | Failed to defeat Carlos Alcaraz |
| Feliciano López | Failed to defeat Carlos Alcaraz |
| Roberto Carballés | Failed to defeat Carlos Alcaraz |
| Pedro Martínez | Failed to defeat Carlos Alcaraz |
ATP Tokyo - Carlos Alcaraz's projected path
Alcaraz in Tokyo, ranking, and results in 2026
Ranked no.3, Alcaraz has managed to achieve a compiled 30-4 record in 2026. Carlos is participating in Tokyo where he overcame the world no.34 Alex Michelsen 7-6(1) 4-6 6-1, the world no.37 Matteo Arnaldi 7-6(6) 6-1 and the world no.46 Denis Shapovalov 7-6(3) 2-1 ret..
Carlos Alcaraz will compete against the world no.10 Alex De Minaur in the Round Robin on Unknown at 5:00 pm on Court 1. Their head to head is 6-0 for Alcaraz.
Carlos clinched 2 titles in 2026 at the Australian Open and Doha.
The Spaniard won 27 titles in his career: 10 on hard courts, 11 on clay courts, 2 on indoor courts and 4 on grass courts. (See the list of his titles)
