Alcaraz Saves Two Match Points to Stun Fritz, Reaches First Paris Masters Semifinal

Carlos Alcaraz produced a remarkable comeback against Taylor Fritz, saving two match points to secure a 6-7 (10), 7-5, 6-3 victory and book his place in the Paris Masters semifinals for the first time.

The Spaniard was on the brink of defeat in the second set, trailing 3-5 and facing match points at 5-3 and 5-4. However, the seven-time Grand Slam champion held his nerve, saving the second match point with a stunning forehand passing shot before turning the contest around.

Alcaraz eventually forced a deciding set and took control to seal the victory, extending his strong run following his title-winning campaign in Vienna last week.

“I tried not to let myself down in the difficult moments in the second set. I tried to stay strong mentally and save those break points and match points,” Alcaraz said.

He added that the energy from the Paris crowd helped him through the toughest moments, describing the feeling after the victory as unmatched.

The Spaniard will now face Casper Ruud in the semifinals. Ruud defeated lucky loser Nuno Borges 7-6 (5), 6-4 to secure his place in the last four.

Meanwhile, Ben Shelton also reached his maiden Paris Masters semifinal after defeating fellow American Tommy Paul 6-4, 4-6, 6-3. Shelton fired 19 aces and converted two of his four break-point opportunities.

The result ended Paul’s hopes of qualifying for the ATP Finals in Turin later this month. His exit allowed compatriot Frances Tiafoe to secure a debut appearance at the season-ending tournament. Fritz’s defeat also confirmed Rafael Jodar as the eighth and final qualifier.

The other players through to the ATP Finals are Alexander Zverev, Alcaraz, Shelton, Daniil Medvedev, Flavio Cobolli and Arthur Fils.

Shelton will face France’s Luca Van Assche in the semifinals. Van Assche defeated Rinky Hijikata 6-4, 6-7 (4), 7-5 in a match lasting nearly three hours.