Carlos Alcaraz saved two match points to defeat Taylor Fritz 6-7 (10-12) 7-5 6-3 in the Paris Masters quarter-finals. The victory ended Fritz's hopes of reaching the ATP Finals and secured a spot for Spanish compatriot Rafael Jodar. Fritz won a tight first-set tie-break and led 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, moving 3-1 ahead before closing out the match with a powerful forehand. Alcaraz will face either Casper Ruud or Nuno Borges in the semi-finals. 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.
Jodar only became a full-time professional at the beginning of 2026, but his debut season has drawn major attention and widespread excitement. The Madrid-born youngster won three ATP Challenger titles in 2025 before he claimed his first ATP Tour title in Marrakech in April 2026. Jodar, dubbed the new Rafa Nadal, also reached the quarter-finals of this year's French Open and climbed into the world's top 10 for the first time.
At 6ft 3in, he hits heavy, high-speed shots loaded with topspin from the baseline that are designed to force opponents into submission. His serve is several miles per hour faster than the tour average and his attacking style means he is prone to taking risks on big points and in rallies. Tiafoe, meanwhile, is a three-time ATP Tour title winner who 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 en route 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. The Maryland-born player, nicknamed 'Big Foe', is known for his energetic style and passionate celebrations.
Source: BBC Sport · Summarized by HeadlinesBriefing