Rallying from a set down, Carlos Alcaraz saves two match points to reach Paris Masters semifinals

Alcaraz rallies past Fritz

Alcaraz advanced after a dramatic quarterfinal against Taylor Fritz on Friday, overcoming two match points along the way. It is his first appearance in the Paris Masters semifinals.

The Spaniard claimed an early break in the opening set, but Fritz took the set after both players missed chances to close out the tie-break. Fritz then broke first in the second set.

Alcaraz said he began to enjoy the contest after producing several strong points. He told reporters he would remember the match for a long time.

Ruud awaits in semifinals

Alcaraz’s next opponent is Casper Ruud, who booked his place in the last four on Saturday’s schedule. The Norwegian beat Portuguese lucky loser Nuno Borges 7-6 (7/5), 6-4.

Ruud, a former world number two, will face Alcaraz on Saturday. The Paris event is the first time Alcaraz has reached its semifinals.

ATP Finals hopes end

Fritz’s defeat, along with Paul’s loss, ended both Americans’ hopes of qualifying for the ATP Finals. Frances Tiafoe and 20-year-old Spaniard Rafael Jodar are now set to make their debuts at the season-ending tournament.

The ATP Finals will run from November 15 to 22 in Turin. Elsewhere, Shelton is scheduled to face Luca Van Assche in the semifinals after the Frenchman ended Rinky Hijikata’s run from qualifying.