Carlos Alcaraz reaches Paris semi-finals after saving two match points

Carlos Alcaraz recovered from two match points down against Taylor Fritz in Paris on Friday to secure a place in the Masters semi-finals. The Spaniard prevailed 6-7 (10/12), 7-5, 6-3, reaching the tournament's last four for the first time.

The 23-year-old will face Casper Ruud on Saturday. The Norwegian, a former world number two, earned his place by defeating Portuguese lucky loser Nuno Borges 7-6 (7/5), 6-4.

Alcaraz had played only one match before the quarter-final. He broke Fritz in the fifth game of the opening set, but the American recovered to level the score at 5-5 before taking a closely contested tie-break.

Second-set escape changes the contest

Fritz broke again in the seventh game of the second set and moved within reach of victory. Alcaraz survived one match point while holding serve, then denied another in the following game before recovering the break.

A further break forced a deciding set. Carlos Alcaraz then established a 3-1 advantage, although Fritz continued to create break opportunities before the Spaniard completed the victory on his own serve.

Alcaraz said the match would remain among his most memorable experiences. He described how producing difficult shots and drawing energy from spectators helped him enjoy the contest after escaping the first match point.

Elsewhere, Ben Shelton defeated fellow American Tommy Paul 6-4, 4-6, 6-3. Shelton will meet Luca Van Assche, who beat Australian qualifier Rinky Hijikata in the other quarter-final.

The losses ended Fritz's and Paul's chances of qualifying for the ATP Finals. Frances Tiafoe and Rafael Jodar are now set for their first appearances at the season-ending tournament in Turin, scheduled for November 15-22.

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