Alcaraz Saves Match Points to Reach Paris Masters Semi-Final
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 semi-final on Friday.
The 23-year-old Spaniard fought back to win 6-7(10/12), 7-5, 6-3 to advance to the last four of the event for the first time. It was a win built on nerve as much as shot-making, and it kept alive his bid for a first Paris Masters title.
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 as he snatched another improbable victory from the jaws of defeat.
“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.
How the match turned
Despite only playing one match en route to the quarter-finals, Alcaraz showed no signs of rust as he seized his first break opportunity in the fifth game of the opening set, whipping a forehand passing shot around the stranded Fritz.
The Spaniard’s serve started to wobble, and Fritz pounced to break to love and level at 5-5. In a tie-break of thrills and spills, both players had set points come and go before Alcaraz dumped a forehand wide to cede the opener to the Californian.
After recovering from 0-40 to hold early in the second set, Alcaraz pointed to his ear and held his fist aloft in a bid to get the Parisian crowd going, the first but not last callback to his five-set Roland Garros epic.
But he continued to struggle to make inroads on Fritz’s serve. Instead, the American produced the first break of the set in the seventh game. 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.
“After that game… I started to enjoy it because I just thought I pulled off great shots, great points, I started to smile, I started to bring the energy from the people to the match,” the former world number one said.
A fine passing shot saved a second match point in the next game before Alcaraz wiped out the break and then completed his Houdini act by breaking Fritz again to set up a decider.
The rampant Murcian had a chokehold on the match and went in front 3-1 in the third set when Fritz pushed a volley wide. Alcaraz still had to save break points in a match that always threatened another twist but, as it rumbled towards a conclusion, he brought up two match points on his own serve, sealing the first with a powerful forehand that Fritz could only get a frame on.
Shelton joins him in the last four
Earlier, Ben Shelton edged Tommy Paul 6-4, 4-6, 6-3 in an all-American quarter-final. Shelton will meet Luca Van Assche in the last four after the Frenchman ended Australian Rinky Hijikata’s fairytale run from qualifying to the last eight.
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.
“Frances has had an outstanding year. One of my best friends, and to see him make Turin for the first time is amazing,” Shelton said of the 28-year-old Finals debutant.
What the Paris Masters semi-final means for the season
Alcaraz arrived in Paris short of matches, yet his escape against Fritz showed why he remains the man to beat when the season reaches its climax. The Spaniard has made a habit of winning matches he looked certain to lose, and the Paris crowd has taken him to its heart.
His form this autumn has been strong. Alcaraz beat Daniil Medvedev to reach the Vienna Open final last month, and he has carried that momentum into the indoor season. Jannik Sinner, his great rival, has reshuffled his coaching team in recent days, bringing in Magnus Norman after parting ways with Darren Cahill.
The WTA Finals have had their own drama this week, with the WTA admitting failure over live microphones in the players’ area. Rafael Nadal, meanwhile, has said his Las Vegas exhibition will test his body after a pain-free retirement.
Who did Alcaraz beat to reach the Paris Masters semi-final?
He beat Taylor Fritz of the United States 6-7(10/12), 7-5, 6-3 in the quarter-final, saving two match points along the way. It is the first time he has reached the last four of the Paris Masters.
Who will Alcaraz face in the semi-final?
His opponent was not decided at the time of writing. Ben Shelton will face Luca Van Assche in the other semi-final after beating Tommy Paul in an all-American quarter-final.
Who qualified for the ATP Finals after the quarter-finals?
Frances Tiafoe and 20-year-old Spaniard Rafael Jodar secured their places at the season-ending ATP Finals in Turin, which run from November 15-22. Fritz and Paul missed out after losing their quarter-finals.
How many Grand Slam titles has Alcaraz won?
Alcaraz has won seven Grand Slam titles. His Paris escape recalled his French Open final win over Jannik Sinner last season, when he saved three championship points.
