Carlos Alcaraz out of Shanghai Masters with ‘physical issues’

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Spain's Carlos Alcaraz in action during the Japan Open final against Taylor Fritz of the US.

Spain's Carlos Alcaraz in action during the Japan Open final against Taylor Fritz of the US.

PHOTO: REUTERS

Follow topic:
  • Carlos Alcaraz withdrew from the Shanghai Masters due to "physical issues" despite winning the Japan Open.
  • He injured his ankle in Tokyo but still won the tournament, admitting the injury was on his mind.
  • Alcaraz expressed his disappointment on Instagram, stating he needs to rest and recover, hoping to return next year (AFP).

AI generated

TOKYO - World number one Carlos Alcaraz said on Sept 30 he was pulling out of this week’s Shanghai Masters because of “physical issues”, shortly after winning the Japan Open.

The Spaniard hurt his ankle in his opening match in Tokyo but shrugged off the issue to beat American Taylor Fritz 6-4, 6-4 in the final in the Japanese capital on Sept 30.

Hours later, the 22-year-old posted on Instagram, saying: “I’m very disappointed to announce that I won’t be able to play the Rolex Shanghai Masters this year!

“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.

“I was really looking forward to playing in front of the amazing fans in Shanghai again,” added the recently crowned US Open champion.

“I hope to be back soon and see my Chinese fans next year!”

Alcaraz injured his ankle last week as he ran for a shot, crumpling to the ground and sitting on the court for about five minutes.

He returned to play with heavy strapping on his ankle and admitted that the injury had been on his mind throughout the tournament.

“The start of the week was not really good with the ankle, and the way that I came back from that, playing a great tournament and great matches, I’m just really happy about it,” he said following his title win.

It was his eighth title of a sensational season. AFP

Carlos Alcaraz announced on Instagram that he would be pulling out of the Shanghai Masters event.

SCREENSHOT: CARLITOSALCARAZZ/INSTAGRAM

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