Carlos Alcaraz, the current world No. 2, faced a surprising defeat at the 2024 Shanghai Masters, ending his 12-match winning streak. The young Spaniard was outplayed by Tomas Machac, ranked outside the ATP top 30, in a tense quarterfinal that ended 7-6(5), 7-5. Machac, who is having a career-best year, played an aggressive, high-risk game that pushed Alcaraz to the edge, ultimately securing an upset victory. Despite Alcaraz winning a higher percentage of serve points, Machac was more efficient in crucial moments, saving seven out of eight break points.
Alcaraz also faced emotional news off the court. Shortly before his match, he learned of Rafael Nadal’s upcoming retirement, which will take place after the Davis Cup in November. Nadal, a tennis legend and Alcaraz’s personal idol, has had a profound influence on the younger player’s career. Alcaraz expressed his sorrow, saying the news was difficult to accept but that he would cherish the remaining opportunities to play alongside Nadal. The announcement adds a bittersweet note to the remainder of Alcaraz’s season as he prepares to move forward without the presence of his hero on the professional circuit.