Mandatory Credit: David Gonzales-Imagn Images

Carlos Alcaraz Withdraws From ATP Shanghai Masters 2025 – What Happened to Carlos Alcaraz and Why Did He Withdraw?

Alcaraz’s sudden Shanghai Masters exit leaves fans and experts questioning reasons

Mandatory Credit: David Gonzales-Imagn Images

Just hours after capturing his eighth title of the year at the Japan Open, world No. 1 Carlos Alcaraz announced his withdrawal from the Shanghai Masters, citing lingering physical issues. Earlier in Tokyo, Alcaraz did give an injury scare in the first round with Sebastian Baez, as he rolled his ankle and eventually played with a heavily strapped foot. The Spanish star stunned fans by deciding not to travel to Shanghai. However, by winning in Japan though, he matched Jannik Sinner’s winning run in 2024 of eight titles. One more and he’ll surpass him, this year.

Wow.

Carlos Alcaraz withdraws from the Shanghai Rolex Masters.

He still got a big lead (over 2.5k points) in the race to the year-end #1, but that surely opens the Race a bit more if Sinner can defend his title.

Looks like a wise decision considering his ankle scare. pic.twitter.com/a4YlQ0fc2s
— José Morgado (@josemorgado) September 30, 2025

Alcaraz’s Tokyo Trimuph and Shanghai Withdrawal

Alcaraz wrapped up a commanding victory against Taylor Fritz, defeating the American 6-4, 6-4 in the final of his debut tournament in Tokyo. Fritz, battling injury, made a late push, but Alcaraz’s control over the match was clear. The win marked his 67th of the season, which was more than any other ATP player. The Spaniard described as “my best season so far without a doubt.”

Speaking after his Japan victory, Alcaraz reflected, “Eight titles, 10 finals… that shows how hard I’ve worked just to be able to experience these moments and accomplish my goals. I didn’t start the year that good, struggling emotionally, so how I came back from that, I’m just really proud of myself and of all the people around me who have helped me to be in this position.”

World No. 1 Carlos Alcaraz with career trophy No. 24 🏆✨ pic.twitter.com/5iCSRTbFHw
— TNT Sports (@tntsports) September 30, 2025

Yet the celebration was short-lived. Hours later, Alcaraz confirmed on Instagram that he would not compete in the Rolex Shanghai Masters, where marquee names including Novak Djokovic and Jannik Sinner are set to play. “I’m very disappointed to announce that I won’t be able to play the Rolex Shanghai Masters this year,” he wrote. “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.”

Alcaraz expressed his regret at missing the tournament and the fans: “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.”

🚨

❌🇪🇸 Carlos Alcaraz announces that he has WITHDRAWN from the Shanghai draw:

"After discussing it with my team, we believe the best decision is to rest and recover.”

📸 Issei Kato/Reuters pic.twitter.com/3m6W840oml
— Olly Tennis 🎾🇬🇧 (@Olly_Tennis_) September 30, 2025

His withdrawal adds Alcaraz to a growing list of notable absentees from Shanghai, joining players such as Joao Fonseca, Jack Draper, Tommy Paul, Arthur Fils, Grigor Dimitrov, Alexie Popyrin, Roberto Bautista Agut, Gael Monfils, Jacob Fearnely and Herbert Hurkacz. For now, Alcaraz’s focus turns to rest and recovery, preserving his form for the challenges that lie ahead, especially the ATP Finals.

Mandatory Image Credit: David Gonzales-Imagn Images

Carlos Alcaraz

Tokyo Win

Withdraw

Rudra Dubey

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I’m an academic turned sports writer from Raipur, India, specializing in the NFL, MMA, and tennis at The Playoffs. I previously wrote for Sportskeeda and hold a B.A. and M.A. in History. My journey into sports media began far from the field, rooted in the arts and sciences. Funny enough, I didn’t grow up a sports fan; I used to see it all as just noise. But a fateful writing job introduced me to the world of sports, and what began as a gig quickly became a passion. I understood those voices aren’t noise; they’re emotions of true sports fans, and now I am one of them, writing with the same energy I once questioned.