During the 'National Games of China' in his home country, where players represent their respective provinces, Shi Yuqi sustained the injury while facing Weng Hongyang in the quarter-finals.
After winning the first set 21-19, Shi Yuqi suddenly stopped playing shortly into the second set and bent forward as he felt a strong pain in his left Achilles tendon.
"I jumped up for a forehand smash, and then I felt a snap in my Achilles tendon when I landed", says Shi Yuqi, according to the South China Morning Post.
"It is not torn, because then I would not be able to walk," added the Chinese World Champion.
Shi Yuqi attempted to carry on playing, but it was soon clear there was something completely wrong with his left foot or lower leg, and the Chinese favourite withdrew when he was behind 3-6 in the second set.
"I could have given it a shot, but it would have looked terrible, and I would have lost anyway. I would rather prioritize taking care of myself", says Shi Yuqi.
A decision that made good sense with just four weeks until the final highlight of the season, the season finals on home soil in China, where Shi Yuqi is the defending champion after a final victory over Anders Antonsen in 2024.
The big question is whether four weeks is enough for the Chinese to be ready. The best eight players in the world are qualified for the season finals.