Pakistan, Oct. 5 -- Top-seeded Carlos Alcaraz advanced to the semifinals of the Japan Open on Sunday, continuing his strong return from a four-month wrist injury layoff.

Alcaraz moved into the final four after his opponent Denis Shapovalov was forced to retire due to a hip injury during their quarterfinal match. The defending champion was leading 7-6 (4), 2-1 after 82 minutes when the Canadian player withdrew.

Alcaraz played in the Laver Cup last week, helping Europe claim the trophy with a singles win over Taylor Fritz.

Shapovalov had pushed the Spaniard in a grueling opening set, earning a set point at 5-4. Alcaraz defused the threat with a delicate drop shot before taking the set with a commanding tiebreak.

The physical toll of the...