Carlos Alcaraz ATP ATP Tokio 2026 Ben Shelton

Alcaraz is left without his main rival in the Tokyo tournament

Diego Jiménez Rubio - 25 Sep 2026
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Carlos Alcaraz withdraws from Shelton in Tokyo. Photo: gettyimages

Carlos Alcaraz must have already heard the big news of the day regarding the ATP 500 Tokyo 2026, the next tournament on his personal calendar once he finishes his participation in the Laver Cup. The player from Murcia will be the top seed and has now lost his main competition for the title with the announcement of Ben Shelton's absence due to physical discomfort.

The American seems to have paid the price for the effort made at the US Open and, above all, for going to the Davis Cup with hardly any rest, where he played two highly demanding matches. He was defeated in both, and physical issues may have arisen that force him to adjust his schedule and be cautious as the season comes to a close.

After officially announcing his absence from the Laver Cup, the North American has communicated that he will not be in Tokyo, leaving Taylor Fritz as the second seed and the main opposition to Alcaraz's favoritism. It remains to be seen what decision Shelton makes regarding the Masters 1000 in Shanghai, as it seems unlikely he will decide to travel to Asia solely for that event, especially considering he is not in a situation of urgency in his quest to qualify for the ATP Finals, as he is close to securing it.

Shelton has paid the price for competing in the Davis Cup right after the US Open

What this news clearly indicates is that efforts have consequences and that the physical demands of today's tennis are incompatible with actions like those taken by Shelton after the US Open. It will be interesting to see how long it takes for the American to recover from his issues and how and when he returns to competition. 

From the tournament's perspective, Carlos Alcaraz sees his path to the title more clear should he appear in peak condition. In place of Ben Shelton, the also American, Alex Michelsen, enters the main draw of the ATP 500 Tokyo 2026.

This is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, Alcaraz se queda sin su principal rival en el torneo de Tokio