Shanghai surprise as Alcaraz quits with ankle injury

The Shanghai Masters has suffered a second box office blow with Carlos Alcaraz pulling out injured from the Asian showpiece.

Alcaraz revealed that he suffered a left ankle injury in his opening match in Tokyo just over a week ago.

The Spaniard who won the Tokyo title this week joined world No. 1 Jannik Sinner on the sidelines in China’s commercial capital.  

World No. 2 Alexander Zverev is the only member of the ranking top three to be involved in Shanghai with the race to the eight-man year-end finals next month in Turin tightening.

Sinner ended his season this week in hopes of avoiding surgery on a knee injury which has kept him off court since winning Wimbledon nearly three months ago.

The all-star pair may be paying the physical price for the ATP cash grab – extending most Masters events from the normal week to a bloated 12-13-days,

Alcaaz showed no signs of the ankle problem during his winning run in Tokyo, but apparently did not want to risk further by testing it in China.

“I’m very disappointed to announce that I won’t be able to play the Rolex Shanghai Masters this year!” Alcaraz posted on social media.

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

The No. 3 leads the Tour with 67 match wins this season, including three titles.

Main photo:-Carlos Alcaraz playing in Shanghai in 2023.