Carlos Alcaraz came from a set down and saved two match points to defeat Taylor Fritz in a thrilling three-set encounter and reach the Paris Masters semi-finals for the first time. The second-seeded Spaniard prevailed 6-7(10), 7-5, 6-3 in two hours and 45 minutes, with the victory also confirming his compatriot Rafael Jodar's qualification for the ATP Finals.
The seven-time Grand Slam champion made an early breakthrough in the opening set, breaking Fritz at 2-2. However, the American fought back after the Spaniard failed to serve out the set at 5-4, forcing a tie-break. Fritz eventually edged the closely contested shootout 12-10 to take the opening set. Fritz carried that momentum into the second set, moving a break ahead and putting himself within touching distance of victory. However, Alcaraz showed his resilience, saving two match points before breaking the American twice to take the set 7-5 and force a decider.
The Spaniard dominated the third set after moving 3-1 ahead before sealing the victory with a powerful forehand. “I tried not to let myself down in the difficult moments in the second set,” Alcaraz said. “I tried to stay strong mentally and save those break points and match points. I would say 3-5 serving, that game we played incredible tennis.
“That point [to hold for 4-5] caused the people to stand up and bring the energy into the match. I used the people and the energy and gave them what they really wanted to watch and I am really happy to play for one and a half hours more to entertain them. The feeling I have today is unmatched.”
Alcaraz will face Casper Ruud for a place in the final. The Spaniard holds a 6-1 head-to-head advantage over the Norwegian.
The win had significant implications for the upcoming ATP Finals in Turin. Fritz's defeat ended his hopes of qualifying, confirming 19-year-old Jodar as the eighth and final player to book his place at the season-ending tournament. Earlier, Tommy Paul's qualification hopes came to an end after he suffered a 4-6, 6-4, 3-6 defeat to fellow American Ben Shelton. The result also secured Frances Tiafoe's place at the ATP Finals.
Both Tiafoe and Jodar will make their debuts at the tournament, which features the world's top eight men's singles players. The eight qualifiers are Alexander Zverev, Daniil Medvedev, Flavio Cobolli, Arthur Fils, Carlos Alcaraz, Ben Shelton, Frances Tiafoe and Rafael Jodar.