Carlos Alcaraz has reached the Paris Masters semi-finals for the first time after saving two match points to defeat Taylor Fritz in a thrilling three-set quarter-final.
The second-seeded Spaniard fought back from a set down to beat the American 6-7(10), 7-5, 6-3 in two hours and 43 minutes on Friday, November 7.
Alcaraz had never progressed beyond the quarter-finals in Paris but looked set for another early exit after losing a tense opening-set tie-break.
Fritz moved within touching distance of victory with a 5-3 lead in the second set and two match points, but Alcaraz saved both before winning four consecutive games to take the set 7-5.
The 23-year-old carried that momentum into the decider, breaking early and holding his advantage to complete the comeback.
Alcaraz hit 44 winners and served 8 aces, while Fritz recorded 32 winners and 12 aces. The Spaniard also edged the points tally 118-116.
He converted four of his nine break points, while Fritz managed just two from 12 opportunities. The victory extends Alcaraz’s winning head-to-head record against Fritz to 7-1. Alcaraz will face Casper Ruud in the semi-finals as he continues his bid for a maiden Paris Masters title.
The Spaniard has already won the Australian Open, Doha, Tokyo and Vienna titles this season and will be looking to add the Paris crown to his collection.
