Alcaraz knocked out; Djokovic hails Nadal

MANILA, Philippines — World number two Carlos Alcaraz was knocked out of the Shanghai Masters in straight sets by 33rd-ranked Tomas Machac on Thursday, losing 7-6 (7/5), 7-5.

The Czech will face world number one Jannik Sinner in the semifinals, after a surprisingly straightforward 6-1, 6-4 victory over an injured Daniil Medvedev.

Alcaraz’match came shortly after his idol and compatriot Rafael Nadal announced he would retire after the Davis Cup finals in November. 

“Honestly I couldn’t believe it,” said Alcaraz, but insisted it hadn’t affected his playing. 

“Thankfully I saw it one hour before the match, so I had time to accept it and forget it.”

The 21-year-old said to see Nadal “leave tennis, which is what he loves, is painful,” adding it was “difficult news for everyone.” 

Meanwhile, Novak Djokovic told old rival Nadal that his “legacy will live forever” after the Spanish great announced his retirement from tennis.

“Your tenacity, dedication, fighting spirit is going to be taught for decades. Your legacy will live forever,” Djokovic said.