Alcaraz saves two match points against Fritz as Jodar reaches ATP Finals

Carlos Alcaraz survived two match points to defeat Taylor Fritz in the Paris Masters quarter-finals, securing a semi-final place and settling another part of the ATP Finals qualification race. BBC Sport reported that his 6-7 (10-12), 7-5, 6-3 victory eliminated Fritz from contention for Turin and confirmed Rafael Jodar’s place at the season-ending tournament.

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Fritz had opportunities to finish the contest in straight sets. The American took an opening-set tie-break in which both players had chances, then established a break advantage in the second set. Alcaraz responded by saving the two match points and breaking Fritz twice to force a deciding set, reversing a match that had been within the American’s reach.

The Spaniard then took a 3-1 lead in the third set and completed his comeback with a forehand winner. In comments carried by the BBC, Alcaraz credited his mental resilience during the difficult passages and the energy supplied by the crowd. His semi-final opponent was still to be determined between Casper Ruud and Nuno Borges at the time of the report.

Jodar, 20, will make his ATP Finals debut at Turin’s Inalpi Arena, where the event runs from 15 to 22 November. His qualification adds to a breakthrough season that began with his move into full-time professional tennis at the start of 2026. He won his first ATP Tour title in Marrakech in April, having collected three Challenger titles in 2025.

The Madrid-born player also reached the French Open quarter-finals this year and entered the world’s top 10 for the first time. His place in Turin was secured by Alcaraz’s result rather than by a match of his own in this quarter-final session.

Frances Tiafoe also clinched a first ATP Finals appearance after Ben Shelton beat fellow American Tommy Paul 6-4, 4-6, 6-3 earlier in the day. Paul’s defeat ended his qualification hopes. Tiafoe’s season has included a title in Halle and runner-up finishes in Cincinnati and Acapulco, according to the BBC report.

The results completed an eight-player Finals field comprising Alexander Zverev, Daniil Medvedev, Flavio Cobolli, Arthur Fils, Alcaraz, Shelton, Tiafoe and Jodar. For Fritz and Paul, the Paris defeats closed their route to the event; for Jodar and Tiafoe, they confirmed debut appearances in Turin.