Carlos Alcaraz Reveals What He Found ‘Frustrating’ About His Japan Open Match

Carlos Alcaraz has reached the semifinals of the Japan Open, where he is competing as the defending champion. In the quarterfinals, the first seed received the walkover from Denis Shapovalov, who appeared to pull his hip while returning a forehand during the second set.

Alcaraz didn’t win the first set easily as the Canadian ace was leading 5-4 before the Spaniard broke back to level the score at 5-5. He went on to win the first set 7-6(3).  The Japan Open is the third tournament Alcaraz is playing since his wrist injury recovery, following the US Open and the Laver Cup. He lost to the eventual runner-up Ben Shelton in the New York Major.

Well, I think I’m gonna say way far — it’s far from where I want to be. But I’m doing great things on the court. I’m practicing well. I’m trying to do everything when I’m playing matches, because it’s so different — competition and practices. You gotta find a way. I’m happy with the way that I’m playing. Happy with how I’m feeling on court. Hopefully the tournaments and matches I have ahead are gonna be a great test for me. I’m gonna try to use it to get better and feel better on court.

Carlos Alcaraz said during his on-court interview (H/T: Tennis365)

Before throwing in the towel, Shapovalov converted three of his four break-point opportunities. Alcaraz also converted three out of four break points.

It was a little bit frustrating with my serve. I couldn’t find a good way of serving; I was struggling almost every game on serve. But I’m just happy with the way I came back after every break. It was a great first set; great points, great rallies.

Carlos Alcaraz added

Alcaraz will next lock horns with compatriot Jaume Munar, who beat Kyrian Jacquet. The seven-time Grand Slam champion defeated Taylor Fritz in the final of this event last year and is chasing his second ATP 500 title of the season following his wins at the Qatar Open, where he defeated Arthur Fils. Since that win, Alcaraz has reached just one final, at the Monte-Carlo Masters, which he lost to World No.1 Jannik Sinner.

Fabio Fognini on who can challenge the dominance of Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner

According to former player Fabio Fognini, the player who can get closest to Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner is compatriot Lorenzo Musetti. The 24-year-old last played in the second round of the US Open. He was next scheduled to play the Japan Open, but he withdrew due to an injury.

There are two phenomena, Sinner and Alcaraz, and then there are the others, distanced. From Jannik, I admire his dedication; from Carlitos, the talent… The player who can get closest to them is Musetti, who can grow a lot. He has so much talent that, at times, it plays against him.

Fabio Fognini said during the  Festival dello Sport in Trento (H/T: Tennis World USA)

Sinner, who has clinched six Big Titles so far this season, is nursing a knee injury, which first forced him to withdraw from the Cincinnati Masters, then the US Open, the China Open, and now the Shanghai Masters, which starts on October 7.

If he reaches the final, Alcaraz will lock horns with Jiri Lehecka or Valentin Vacherot, the reigning Shanghai champion. The 23-year-old is chasing his third title of the season in Tokyo following his wins at the Australian Open and the Qatar Open.

Also read: Stefanos Tsitsipas Opens Up About His Decision to Split With Dad Apostolos As Coach