Carlos Alcaraz survived two match points against Taylor Fritz on Friday before securing his first Paris Masters semifinal appearance. The 23-year-old Spaniard recovered from a set down to win 6-7 (10/12), 7-5, 6-3, adding another dramatic comeback to his record in the French capital.
The seven-time Grand Slam champion will face Norway’s Casper Ruud on Saturday. Ruud, a former world number two, reached the semifinals by defeating Portuguese lucky loser Nuno Borges 7-6 (7/5), 6-4. Alcaraz’s escape recalled last season’s French Open final, when he saved three championship points before overcoming Jannik Sinner.
Alcaraz had played just one match before the quarterfinals but made a sharp start against Fritz. He converted his first break chance in the fifth game with a forehand passing shot. The American later took advantage of problems with Alcaraz’s serve, breaking without conceding a point to draw level at 5-5. Both players missed opportunities to clinch the opening tie-break before a wide forehand from Alcaraz handed Fritz the set.
Early in the second set, Alcaraz recovered from 0-40 to hold serve, then encouraged the crowd by pointing towards his ear and raising his fist. Fritz remained difficult to challenge on serve and broke in the seventh game. Facing elimination, Alcaraz saved a match point before keeping himself in contention with a hold that included a backhand slice struck from well outside the doubles sideline.
Another passing shot helped Alcaraz fend off a second match point in the following game. He then recovered the break and broke Fritz once more to force a deciding set. Alcaraz told reporters that surviving the earlier service game had helped him enjoy the contest, smile and draw energy from the spectators.
With momentum behind him, Alcaraz moved 3-1 ahead in the third set after Fritz sent a volley wide. The Spaniard still faced break points, but eventually earned two match points on his own serve. He finished at the first opportunity with a forceful forehand that Fritz could only catch with the frame of his racket.
In the other half of the draw, Ben Shelton beat fellow American Tommy Paul 6-4, 4-6, 6-3. Shelton will play France’s Luca Van Assche, who brought Australian qualifier Rinky Hijikata’s run to an end in the quarterfinals.
The losses ended Paul’s and Fritz’s chances of reaching the ATP Finals. American Frances Tiafoe, 28, and Spain’s Rafael Jodar, 20, are now set for their first appearances at the season-ending tournament in Turin, scheduled for November 15 to 22. Shelton praised Tiafoe’s season and welcomed the qualification of one of his closest friends.
