Carlos Alcaraz saved two match points on Friday, overcoming a 5-3 deficit in the second set to defeat Taylor Fritz 6-7 (10-12), 7-5, 6-3 at the Rolex Paris Masters.
Alcaraz Survives Fritz Match Points in Paris
The quarter-final clash lasted two hours and 45 minutes on Court Central at the Paris event, where the prize money stood at €158,700, according to Britwatch Sports.
Alcaraz broke Fritz’s serve when the score was 2-2, but his level dipped when serving at 5-4. Fritz eventually edged the tie-break 12-10 after saving three set points.
BUENAS NOCHES! 💥 pic.twitter.com/lwJQEjb4nf
Fritz secured a break at 3-3 in the second set and pushed ahead to 5-3. Facing two match points on his own serve, Alcaraz dug deep. He saved the first and erased the second with a forehand winner before breaking Fritz twice to seize the second set 7-5. The third set became one-sided as the Spaniard raced to a 3-1 lead and closed out the match with a powerful forehand.
Alcaraz hit 44 winners compared to 32 for Fritz, while committing 41 unforced errors against the American’s 33. Alcaraz landed 68 percent of his first serves and saved 83 percent of the break points he faced, holding serve in 15 out of 17 games.
I started the match really well, but suddenly I just felt the nerves 5-4 serving in the first set,
Carlos Alcaraz
Once he shook off the tension in the second set, he turned to the Parisian crowd for energy.
I started to bring the energy from the people to the match, I tried to use their energy, tried to make them entertain a little bit and after that I started to enjoy every single second, every single point and that’s what was the key today.
Carlos Alcaraz
Probably this match is going to be one of the most special matches that I ever played, and I’m going to remember this match for a long time,
Carlos Alcaraz
ATP Finals Qualification Impact
The defeat ended the American’s hopes of reaching the season-ending event in Turin, Italy. Alcaraz’s victory secured Rafael Jodar’s place at the finals, which will be held at Turin’s Inalpi Arena from 15 to 22 November.
Shelton punched his own ticket earlier on Friday with a 6-4, 4-6, 6-3 victory over fellow American Tommy Paul, a result that had already propelled Frances Tiafoe into the finals.
Ruud Prepares for Alcaraz Semi-Final
Having reached the Paris Masters semi-finals for the first time in his career, Alcaraz advances to face Norway’s Casper Ruud. The victory over Fritz also extended Alcaraz’s winning streak to seven matches and marked his seventh victory in eight career meetings against the American.
OUTRAGEOUS TENNIS 🤯🔥@carlosalcaraz #RolexParisMasters pic.twitter.com/dw6MgeHSga
Ruud praised his upcoming opponent ahead of their meeting.
Yeah, we had some tough matches. It’s always a joy to play tennis with him and I’ve been fortunate to be on the winning side once and let’s see with what I can come up with tomorrow.
Casper Ruud
In the other semi-final half, Ben Shelton takes on Luca Van Assche.
“You’re a beautiful player” ☺️🗣️ All the fan love for @carlosalcaraz @RolexPMasters | #RolexParisMasters pic.twitter.com/vaqDgr6Qkm