Alcaraz Saves Two Match Points To Beat Fritz, Sends Jodar To ATP Finals

Carlos Alcaraz saved two match points to beat Taylor Fritz 6-7 (10-12) 7-5 6-3 in the Paris Masters quarter-finals, a result that eliminated the American from ATP Finals contention and confirmed compatriot Rafael Jodar's qualification for the season-ending event, BBC Sport reported.

Fritz had looked on course to book his own place in Turin. He edged a tight opening-set tie-break and then moved 5-3 ahead in the second set, according to Yahoo Sports, needing victory to secure his finals spot after a year in which he battled a knee injury.

Alcaraz rallied from that position, saving two match points before breaking Fritz twice to level the match. He then took control of the decider, surging 3-1 clear before sealing the win with a forehand winner.

The contest lasted two hours and 45 minutes, Tennis365 reported, with Alcaraz fighting back from a 3-5 deficit in the second set to complete the turnaround.

"I tried not to let myself down in those difficult moments - to stay strong mentally," Alcaraz said, reflecting on the match. "We played incredible tennis, both of us, and I used the energy of the people to give them what they wanted to watch. To entertain them."

Speaking separately to reporters, Alcaraz described the opening stages of the match as a struggle. "I started the match really well, and then I got nervous," he said. "Taylor took advantage of that and raised his level. He was playing better and better, especially from the baseline."

According to Yahoo Sports, Alcaraz was aware of what the result meant for Fritz and addressed it at the net after match point, telling his opponent he was sorry, to which Fritz replied that Alcaraz had simply been too good.

The win extended Alcaraz's run to seven consecutive victories, following his title at the Vienna Open last week, and took him into the Paris Masters semi-finals for the first time in his career, Tennis365 reported.

World number three Alcaraz will face either Casper Ruud or Nuno Borges for a place in the final as he continues his pursuit of a maiden Paris Masters title.

Jodar's qualification means the 20-year-old Spaniard will make his debut at the ATP Finals, held at Turin's Inalpi Arena from 15 to 22 November, alongside fellow debutant Frances Tiafoe of the United States.

Tiafoe's own place was confirmed earlier in the day after Tommy Paul lost 6-4 4-6 6-3 to fellow American Ben Shelton, a result that ended Paul's own hopes of reaching the event, BBC Sport reported.

The eight qualifiers for this year's finals include Alexander Zverev, Daniil Medvedev and Flavio Cobolli, alongside Tiafoe and Jodar, with the tournament set to feature the world's top eight men's singles players.

Alcaraz now turns his attention to the Paris Masters semi-final, where victory would put him through to his first final of the tournament.