The match had been a competitive encounter before the injury brought a sudden end to proceedings. Shapovalov had challenged the Spaniard by utilizing a diverse range of tactics, blending powerful groundstrokes with delicate drop shots and varied spin. Alcaraz, who had previously saved four set points in his Saturday victory over Matteo Arnaldi, successfully navigated a difficult moment at 5-4 down in the first set before clinching the tie-break with a decisive passing shot.
Semi-final matchups set after upsets and dominant displays
Following his progression, the defending champion is now set to face fellow Spaniard Jaume Munar for a position in the tournament final. Munar, ranked 64th in the world, earned his semi-final spot by defeating France’s Kyrian Jacquet, who had previously enjoyed a strong run in the competition. For Alcaraz, this tournament marks only his third appearance since returning from a lengthy wrist injury, following a quarter-final finish at the US Open last month.
In the other half of the draw, Valentin Vacherot produced a notable upset by eliminating Arthur Fils. Vacherot claimed a 7-5, 4-6, 6-4 victory in a match that lasted two hours and 20 minutes. Fils appeared to be in control early on, holding two set points at 5-3, but he struggled to maintain his momentum, eventually dropping four consecutive games to surrender the first set. Despite a spirited comeback to force a decider, the Frenchman could not overcome Vacherot in the final set.
Vacherot will now meet Jiri Lehecka in the second semi-final. The Czech player, ranked 23rd globally, dominated his quarter-final match against Paraguay’s Adolfo Daniel Vallejo, securing a comprehensive 6-1, 6-1 victory in less than an hour to round out the final four.
