Carlos Alcaraz saved two match points to beat Taylor Fritz in the Paris Masters quarter-finals – a result which helped Spanish compatriot Rafael Jodar qualify for the ATP Finals.

Alcaraz claimed a 6-7 (10-12) 7-5 6-3 win over Fritz which also ended the American’s hopes of reaching the season-ending event in Turin, Italy.

Fritz edged a tight opening set, winning the tie-break after both players had chances to take it.

He then moved a break ahead in the second set, but Alcaraz rallied to level the match after saving two match points and breaking his opponent twice.

The 23-year-old Spaniard dominated the decider after moving 3-1 ahead before closing out the contest with a powerful forehand.

“I tried not to let myself down in those difficult moments – to stay strong mentally,” said Alcaraz, who will face either Casper Ruud or Nuno Borges in the semi-finals.

“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.”

Alcaraz’s victory secured 20-year-old Jodar’s place at the finals, which will be held at Turin’s Inalpi Arena from 15 to 22 November.

Earlier, Tommy Paul’s hopes were dashed after he suffered a 6-4 4-6 6-3 defeat to fellow American Ben Shelton, which propelled Frances Tiafoe into the finals.

American Tiafoe, 28, and Spain’s Jodar will both make their debuts at the event, which features the top eight men’s singles players in the world.

The eight qualifiers are Alexander Zverev, Daniil Medvedev, Flavio Cobolli, Arthur Fils, Alcaraz, Shelton, Tiafoe and Jodar.



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