Carlos Alcaraz apologised to Taylor Fritz after saving match points to reach his first Paris Masters semi-final with a 6-7(10) 7-5 6-4 victory. The No. 2 seed was in significant danger when he trailed Fritz by a set and a break, with the American holding two match points in the second set.
Fritz had a match point on Alcaraz's serve at 5-3 and another on his own serve in the very next game. Alcaraz, however, mounted a sensational comeback to seal the win and advance in the French capital.
Double Blow for Fritz
The defeat is a double blow for Fritz, who needed to win the match to qualify for the ATP Finals. Alcaraz's victory ended that race, meaning fellow Spaniard Rafael Jodar will make his debut at the season-ending championships in his first year on tour.
Alcaraz showed his class immediately after the match, apologising to Fritz for the heartache caused by the dramatic turnaround. The American had come close to sealing the match but could not convert his opportunities.
Alcaraz Advances in Paris
With the win, Alcaraz moves into the semi-finals of the Paris Masters for the first time in his career. The comeback adds to his growing list of dramatic victories on the ATP Tour this season.
The result also confirms Jodar's place at the ATP Finals, a notable achievement for the young Spaniard in his debut year on the professional circuit.
