Carlos Alcaraz pulls out of Shanghai Masters just hours after winning Japan Open
Carlos Alcaraz has pulled out of the Shanghai Masters just hours after winning his eighth title of the season at the Japan Open.
The World No 1 defeated Taylor Fritz 6-4 6-4 in Tokyo to continue his dominant form but revealed he has been “struggling with some physical issues”.
The 22-year-old overcame an injury scare in his opening match in Tokyo – where he hurt his left ankle – to win the title but will be taking no chances with his fitness.
“I’m very disappointed to announce that I won’t be able to play the Rolex Shanghai Masters this year,” Alcaraz posted on Instagram.
“Unfortunately, I’ve been struggling with some physical issues and, after discussing with my team, we believe the best decision is to rest and recover.”
Jamie Braidwood30 September 2025 15:06
Coco Gauff in furious clash with Belinda Bencic at China Open after being accused of ‘mind games’
Coco Gauff was accused of playing “mind games” by opponent Belinda Bencic during a fiery exchange at the China Open in Beijing.
Former Olympic gold medalist Bencic was unhappy with noise from the American’s coaching team during her service games at a mostly empty stadium and vented to the umpire at a changeover.
“I’m going to the line, ready to serve, they don’t need to cheer,” Bencic said. As Gauff attempted to interject, the Swiss player snapped back: “No one’s talking to you. I haven’t started. Your team is chatting. I’m too old for these mind games, okay?”
Jamie Braidwood30 September 2025 15:03
Carlos Alcaraz’s fury at time violation in Japan Open final win over Taylor Fritz
Carlos Alcaraz was furious to be given a time violation in the opening set of his Japan Open triumph against Taylor Fritz.
The French Open and US Open champion hit out at umpire Fergus Murphy for the time violation, saying: “Do you think it’s normal that I finish a long point at the net and then barely have time to go for the balls, with no time to rest? Do you think it’s normal or not? OK, you’ve never played tennis in your life.”
Jamie Braidwood30 September 2025 14:33
Daniil Medvedev retires from China Open after accusing umpires of ‘intimidating’ him
A cramping Daniil Medvedev accused umpires of “trying to intimidate” him as he retired from his China Open semi-final against Learner Tien when the score was 5-7, 7-5, 4-0 in the final set.
After blowing a second-set lead, Medvedev could barely walk as he took to the decider in Beijing but refused to retire even as he struggled to return any ball that was out of his reach.
The Russian was given a warning for “lack of effort” as Tien aced Medvedev with a routine serve down the middle of the court, with the 29-year-old staring towards the umpire before calling the supervisor.
Jamie Braidwood30 September 2025 13:33
Carlos Alcaraz gives special credit to ‘best physio in the world’ after winning Japan Open title
Carlos Alcaraz gave a “special shout-out” to his long-time physiotherapist Juanjo Moreno after winning the Japan Open title as he recovered from an injury scare in his opening match to win the title in Tokyo.
The World No 1 defeated second seed Taylor Fritz 6-4 6-4 to win his eighth title of the season and extend his dominant form. But it could have been a very different story after Alcaraz hurt his left ankle in his opening match against Sebastian Baez.
The 22-year-old ignored pleas from his own team to retire from the match and he recovered in time to play his second-round match against Zizou Bergs, calling Moreno “the best physio in the world” for the work he did on his ankle and saving his tournament.
Jamie Braidwood30 September 2025 12:55
Carlos Alcaraz thanks his physio after winning Japan Open title
Carlos Alcaraz receives a cheque of almost $420,000 as well as the Japan Open trophy.
“I want to start with Taylor,” Alcaraz says. “Such a great tennis player and athlete. Always tough playing against you and congrats for a great tournament and all the best for the rest of the season.
“My team, I’m always really lucky to have you. Special shout-out to my Juanjo [Moreno, his physio] after landing on my ankle earlier in the tournament, I’m grateful.”
Alcaraz finishes his speech by thanking the tournament organisers and the “amazing fans”. He adds Tokyo felt like home. “See you next year,” Alcaraz says to great applause. He quickly adds a “let’s see”.
(AP)
Jamie Braidwood30 September 2025 12:13
Taylor Fritz: ‘He’s the best player in the world for a reason’
Taylor Fritz congratulates Carlos Alcaraz on winning the Japan Open and says the 22-year-old is the “best player in the world”.
“First of all, congrats to Carlos on a great tournament. He’s the best player in the world for a reason and he’s also a great guy. I’m happy for the success he’s having.”
Fritz thanks his team for a “solid” week in Tokyo and adds a thanks for the fans and tournament organisers.
No mention of the injury from Fritz.
Jamie Braidwood30 September 2025 12:06
Carlos Alcaraz’s titles in 2025
Eight titles. Three surfaces. Two grand slams. Three Masters 1000s. Three ATP 500s.
Roland Garros (Outdoor/Clay)
ATP Masters 1000 Cincinnati (Outdoor/Hard)
ATP Masters 1000 Rome (Outdoor/Clay)
ATP Masters 1000 Monte-Carlo (Outdoor/Clay)
Queen’s Club (Outdoor/Grass)
Jamie Braidwood30 September 2025 12:01
Carlos Alcaraz builds on stunning 2025 season
Alcaraz has a 67-7 record in 2025, and is 51-3 since April.
He reached a 10th consecutive final in Tokyo and will look to continue that streak as the ATP moves onto Shanghai, which actually starts tomorrow.
Jannik Sinner will be there, too, and the Italian will look to win the China Open title in Beijing tomorrow.
Jamie Braidwood30 September 2025 11:58
Carlos Alcaraz joins elite group by winning title eighth title of 2025
Since 2000, only six men have won eight titles in one season: Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, Novak Djokovic, Andy Murray, Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz.
Sinner won eight last season. Alcaraz matches that and there are still plenty of opportunities for more silverware.
Jamie Braidwood30 September 2025 11:54