Alcaraz rallies past Fritz as ATP Finals field is set

Fritz came within a point of defeating Alcaraz twice in the second set of their Paris Masters quarter-final on November 6. He held a match point while leading 5-3 and another at 5-4, but Alcaraz recovered to win 6-7 (10-12), 7-5, 6-3 and advance to the semifinals for the first time in Paris.

The result ended Fritz’s chance to qualify for the ATP Finals in Turin. Rafael Jodar took the eighth and final place in the season-ending tournament, which runs from November 15 to 22. Alcaraz had already qualified.

Earlier, Ben Shelton beat fellow American Tommy Paul 6-4, 4-6, 6-3 to reach his first Paris semifinal. Paul’s defeat removed him from contention for Turin and secured Frances Tiafoe’s place; Tiafoe will make his debut at the event.

Alcaraz said he focused on staying mentally strong in the difficult moments and praised the quality of the match. He will face Casper Ruud in the Paris semifinals. Shelton’s opponent will be French player Luca Van Assche, who defeated Rinky Hijikata in three sets.