Alcaraz Survives Fritz Thriller and Sends Jodar to the ATP Finals

Carlos Alcaraz saved two match points and fought back from a set down to beat Taylor Fritz in the Paris Masters quarter-finals. The 6-7 (10-12) 7-5 6-3 win did more than send him into the last four. It also ended Fritz’s Turin hopes and booked Rafael Jodar’s place at the ATP Finals.

Alcaraz Digs Deep in Paris

The match swung on a handful of points. Fritz took a tight opening set, winning the tie-break 12-10 after both players had chances to close it out.

The American then moved a break ahead in the second set and had two match points. Alcaraz saved both, broke his opponent twice and levelled the contest.

The Decider Belongs to Alcaraz

Once the third set began, the momentum was clear. The 23-year-old Spaniard moved 3-1 ahead and never looked back, closing it out with a powerful forehand.

The seven-time Grand Slam winner admitted the tough moments tested him. "I tried not to let myself down in those difficult moments – to stay strong mentally," he said.

He also praised the quality of the contest and the crowd. "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."

Match Snapshot

Alcaraz will now face either Casper Ruud or Nuno Borges in the semi-finals.

A Ripple Effect for the ATP Finals Race

The result had consequences beyond Paris. Alcaraz’s victory secured 20-year-old Jodar’s spot at the season-ending event. It will be held at Turin’s Inalpi Arena from 15 to 22 November.

Earlier in the day, Tommy Paul lost 6-4 4-6 6-3 to fellow American Ben Shelton. That result propelled Frances Tiafoe into the finals.

The Eight Qualifiers

The tournament features the top eight men’s singles players in the world. Tiafoe and Jodar will both make their debuts.

• Alexander Zverev
• Daniil Medvedev
• Flavio Cobolli
• Arthur Fils
• Carlos Alcaraz
• Ben Shelton
• Frances Tiafoe
• Rafael Jodar

Who Is Rafael Jodar?

Jodar only became a full-time professional at the beginning of 2026, yet his debut season has drawn major attention. The Madrid-born youngster won three ATP Challenger titles in 2025. He then claimed his first ATP Tour title in Marrakech in April 2026.

Dubbed the new Rafa Nadal, he also reached the quarter-finals of this year’s French Open and climbed into the world’s top 10 for the first time.

A Game Built on Power

At 6ft 3in, Jodar hits heavy, high-speed shots loaded with topspin from the baseline. They are designed to force opponents into submission.

His serve is several miles per hour faster than the tour average. His attacking style also means he is prone to taking risks on big points and in rallies.

Who Is Frances Tiafoe?

Tiafoe, 28, is a three-time ATP Tour title winner. He reached a career-high ranking of 10th in the world in 2023.

He reached the US Open semi-finals in 2022 and 2024, knocking out Nadal on the way to the last four in 2022. He won his biggest title to date in Halle in 2026 and also reached the finals in Cincinnati and Acapulco.

Big Foe Brings the Energy

The Maryland-born player, nicknamed ‘Big Foe’, is known for his energetic style and passionate celebrations. Expect that personality to light up Turin.

What Comes Next

For Alcaraz, the focus stays on Paris and a place in the final. For Fritz, the loss ends a tense run with Turin as the prize.

For Jodar and Tiafoe, the wait is over. Both now head to Turin for their first ATP Finals, with the best eight players of the season waiting.