Carlos Alcaraz saved two match points to defeat Taylor Fritz in the Paris Masters quarter-finals, securing a 6-7 (10-12), 7-5, 6-3 victory that helped fellow Spaniard Rafael Jodar qualify for the season-ending ATP Finals.
The win by Alcaraz ended Fritz’s remaining hopes of reaching the tournament in Turin, Italy. Fritz earned a tight opening set by claiming the tie-break, then built a break lead in the second set. However, Alcaraz saved two match points and broke the American twice to equalize before controlling the deciding set to seal the win with a powerful forehand.
Reflecting on his comeback, Alcaraz said, “I tried not to let myself down in those difficult moments – to stay strong mentally.” He added, “We played incredible tennis, both of us, and I used the energy of the people to give them what they wanted to watch. To entertain them.”
ATP Finals Field Confirmed
Alcaraz moves into the semi-finals at the Paris Masters, where he will face either Casper Ruud or Nuno Borges. His quarter-final result ensured that 20-year-old Jodar qualified for the ATP Finals, which take place from November 15 to 22 at the Inalpi Arena in Turin.
Earlier in the day, Tommy Paul was eliminated from contention after suffering a 6-4, 4-6, 6-3 loss to fellow American Ben Shelton. That result guaranteed a place in the event for 28-year-old American Frances Tiafoe.
The eight players who have qualified for the end-of-season tournament are Alexander Zverev, Daniil Medvedev, Flavio Cobolli, Arthur Fils, Alcaraz, Shelton, Tiafoe, and Jodar, with both Tiafoe and Jodar set to make their debuts.
Profiles of Jodar and Tiafoe
Jodar turned full-time professional at the start of 2026 after winning three ATP Challenger titles in 2025. The Madrid-born player captured his maiden ATP Tour title in Marrakech in April 2026, progressed to the quarter-finals of the French Open, and entered the world’s top 10 for the first time.
Tiafoe is a three-time ATP Tour winner who attained a career-high world ranking of 10th in 2023. The Maryland native reached the US Open semi-finals in 2022 and 2024, won his largest career title to date in Halle in 2026, and reached additional finals in Cincinnati and Acapulco.
