A shortened quarterfinal sends the Spaniard through
Alejandro Davidovich Fokina advanced to the Shanghai Masters semifinals on October 15 after Arthur Gea retired with an injury while trailing 4–1 in the opening set. The match ended before either player had completed a set.
Gea said pain in his psoas had started earlier that day and that he had received treatment before going on court. The Frenchman attempted to play but decided he could not safely continue, according to the tournament’s official report.
The shortened quarterfinal followed two demanding matches for Davidovich Fokina. The Spaniard had survived deciding-set tie-breaks against Frances Tiafoe and Hubert Hurkacz in the previous rounds, including saving a match point against Tiafoe.
Davidovich Fokina’s run has continued a successful stretch in China after his Chengdu title earlier in the Asian swing. The early finish provides recovery time before his next match, although advancement came through his opponent’s withdrawal rather than a completed quarterfinal victory.
Alexander Zverev subsequently defeated Alex de Minaur 6–4, 6–4 to confirm the other place in their semifinal. Davidovich Fokina and Zverev are scheduled to meet on Saturday, October 17, with a place in the Shanghai final at stake.