Carlos Alcaraz saved two match points to defeat Taylor Fritz 6-7 (10/12), 7-5, 6-3 in the Paris Masters quarterfinals on Friday, reaching the semifinals for the first time.
The 23-year-old Spaniard, a seven-time Grand Slam champion, produced a comeback reminiscent of his French Open final win over Jannik Sinner last season, when he saved three championship points. After losing the first set in a tie-break, Alcaraz fought back from a break down in the second set, staving off a match point before securing a hold with a backhand slice from wide of the tramlines. He saved a second match point before breaking Fritz to level the match. Alcaraz went on to win the decider, sealing the victory with a forehand that Fritz could only get a frame on.
“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,” Alcaraz said.
Alcaraz will face former world number two Casper Ruud in the semifinals on Saturday. Ruud defeated Nuno Borges 7-6 (7/5), 6-4.
Ben Shelton also advanced, beating Tommy Paul 6-4, 4-6, 6-3 in an all-American quarterfinal. The defeats for Paul and Fritz ended their hopes of qualifying for the ATP Finals, with Frances Tiafoe and Rafael Jodar set to make their debuts at the season-ending tournament in Turin from November 15-22. Shelton will play Frenchman Luca Van Assche in the semifinals.
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- SupportedAlcaraz saved two match points to beat Taylor Fritz and reach the Paris Masters semifinals.Al Jazeera – Breaking News, World News and Video from Al Jazeera: “Carlos Alcaraz produced another miracle in the French capital as the seven-time Grand Slam champion fended off two match points to beat Taylor Fritz and reach the Paris Masters semifinals on Friday.”
- SupportedAlcaraz will face Casper Ruud in the semifinals after his comeback win over Fritz.Al Jazeera – Breaking News, World News and Video from Al Jazeera: “He will next take on former world number two Casper Ruud on Saturday after the Norwegian eliminated Portuguese lucky loser Nuno Borges 7-6 (7/5), 6-4.”
- SupportedAlcaraz defeated Fritz 6-7 (10/12), 7-5, 6-3 in the quarterfinals on Friday.Al Jazeera – Breaking News, World News and Video from Al Jazeera: “The 23-year-old fought back to win 6-7 (10/12), 7-5, 6-3 and advance to the last four of the event for the first time.”
- SupportedThis was Alcaraz’s first time reaching the Paris Masters semifinals.Al Jazeera – Breaking News, World News and Video from Al Jazeera: “The 23-year-old fought back to win 6-7 (10/12), 7-5, 6-3 and advance to the last four of the event for the first time.”
- SupportedAlcaraz is 23 years old.Al Jazeera – Breaking News, World News and Video from Al Jazeera: “The 23-year-old fought back to win 6-7 (10/12), 7-5, 6-3 and advance to the last four of the event for the first time.”
- SupportedAlcaraz is a seven-time Grand Slam champion.Al Jazeera – Breaking News, World News and Video from Al Jazeera: “Carlos Alcaraz produced another miracle in the French capital as the seven-time Grand Slam champion fended off two match points to beat Taylor Fritz and reach the Paris Masters semifinals on Friday.”
- SupportedAlcaraz’s comeback was reminiscent of his French Open final comeback win over Jannik Sinner last season, when he saved three championship points.Al Jazeera – Breaking News, World News and Video from Al Jazeera: “In scenes reminiscent of his iconic French Open final comeback win over Jannik Sinner last season, when he saved three championship points, Alcaraz again wowed the crowd in Paris”
- SupportedAlcaraz said, “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.”Al Jazeera – Breaking News, World News and Video from Al Jazeera: ““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,” Alcaraz told reporters.”
- SupportedAlcaraz staved off a match point, held with a backhand slice from wide of his tramlines, then saved a second match point.Al Jazeera – Breaking News, World News and Video from Al Jazeera: “Alcaraz staved off a match point and then secured a hold that kept his campaign alive with a sensational backhand slice from well wide of his own tramlines. ... A fine passing shot saved a second match point”
- SupportedRuud defeated Nuno Borges 7-6 (7/5), 6-4.Al Jazeera – Breaking News, World News and Video from Al Jazeera: “He will next take on former world number two Casper Ruud on Saturday after the Norwegian eliminated Portuguese lucky loser Nuno Borges 7-6 (7/5), 6-4.”
- SupportedBen Shelton beat Tommy Paul 6-4, 4-6, 6-3 in an all-American quarterfinal.Al Jazeera – Breaking News, World News and Video from Al Jazeera: “Earlier, Ben Shelton edged Tommy Paul 6-4, 4-6, 6-3 in an all-American quarterfinal.”
- SupportedPaul and Fritz’s defeats ended their hopes of qualifying for the ATP Finals; Frances Tiafoe and Rafael Jodar were set to make their debuts at the tournament in Turin from November 15-22.Al Jazeera – Breaking News, World News and Video from Al Jazeera: “The defeats for Paul and Fritz ended both players’ hopes of qualifying for the ATP Finals, with American Frances Tiafoe and Spanish 20-year-old Rafael Jodar now set to make their debuts at the season-ending showpiece, which will run from November 15-22 in Turin.”