Carlos Alcaraz Defeats Taylor Fritz to Reach Paris Semifinals

Carlos Alcaraz saved two match points on Friday night in Paris to defeat Taylor Fritz in a thrilling quarterfinal match at the Paris Masters.

The seven-time Grand Slam champion secured a 6-7, 7-5, 6-3 victory over the American after two hours and 43 minutes of play in the French capital.

The outcome extinguished Fritz's final opportunity to qualify for the lucrative ATP Finals event scheduled to take place later in November in Turin.

Instead, the eighth and final qualification spot for the year-end championship went to Spanish compatriot Rafael Jodar.

"I tried not to let myself down, you know, in those difficult moments that I had in the second set," said Carlos Alcaraz.

"I tried to stay strong mentally."

Fritz initially gained the upper hand by capturing a tight opening set through a prolonged tiebreak after both players squandered early chances.

The American then moved ahead by claiming a service break in the second set, placing himself two points away from victory.

Alcaraz responded by denying both match-winning opportunities, converting a crucial break of serve to level the score at five games all.

The Spaniard then dominated the deciding set by establishing an early lead and closing out the contest with a powerful forehand winner.

"We played incredible tennis, both of us," Alcaraz said.

"Great, great points. I think that fueled the people to stand up, to bring the energy into the match."

The defeat marked the second consecutive time that Fritz has squandered a match-point advantage against Alcaraz.

Earlier in the tournament, Tommy Paul suffered a defeat to fellow American Ben Shelton, which also propelled Frances Tiafoe into the finals field.

Alcaraz advances to the semifinal round where he will face either Casper Ruud or Nuno Borges.