Alcaraz Saves Match Points in Paris

Carlos Alcaraz faced elimination in the Paris Masters quarterfinals on Friday, trailing Taylor Fritz at 5-3 and 5-4 in the second set. The Spaniard saved two match points to force a tiebreaker, then closed out the match to secure his first semifinal berth in Paris.

Alcaraz won the decisive points with a forehand pass on the second match point. He ultimately took the match 6-7 (10), 7-5, 6-3. The victory caps a turbulent season for the seven-time Grand Slam champion, who has struggled with injury and fatigue but captured the Vienna title last week.

“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.” He noted that serving at 3-5, he and Fritz played “incredible tennis,” utilizing the crowd energy to extend the contest by another hour and a half.

Ben Shelton also advanced to his first Paris semifinal, defeating fellow American Tommy Paul 6-4, 4-6, 6-3. Shelton served 19 aces and converted two of four break points to take his third win in five meetings against Paul. The result eliminated Paul from contention for the upcoming ATP Finals in Turin.

Paul's exit allowed Frances Tiafoe to clinch a spot in the Finals, marking the American's debut in the tournament. Fritz's loss to Alcaraz gave Rafael Jodar the final qualification slot. The full field for the ATP Finals now includes top-ranked Alexander Zverev, Alcaraz, Shelton, Daniil Medvedev, Flavio Cobolli, Arthur Fils, Tiafoe, and Jodar.

Shelton will next face local player Luca Van Assche, who defeated qualifier Rinky Hijikata 6-4, 6-7 (4), 7-5 in a match lasting nearly three hours. Alcaraz is scheduled to play Casper Ruud, who beat lucky loser Nuno Borges 7-6 (5), 6-4 to reverse their result from last week in Basel.