Fritz misses ATP Finals — Taylor Fritz will not compete at the ATP Finals in Turin after a painful defeat to Carlos Alcaraz in the Paris Masters quarter-finals. The American held two match points but could not convert, and his loss confirmed that Rafael Jodar will take the eighth and final spot at the season-ending event, which runs from November 15 to 22.
How the match slipped away
Fritz, 29, edged a long first-set tie-break 12-10 and then broke Alcaraz to move ahead 4-3 in the second set. He saved a break point to lead 5-3 and later served for the match at 5-4, but Alcaraz fought off both match points and turned the contest around. The Spaniard completed a 6-7 (10-12) 7-5 6-3 victory to reach the semi-finals.
The result also meant Fritz missed the chance to defeat Alcaraz for only the second time in eight meetings. Alcaraz, who had already qualified for Turin, said he focused on staying mentally strong during the difficult moments and credited the crowd for adding energy to a high-quality match.
Jodar benefits from Fritz's defeat
Fritz would have secured his ATP Finals place by beating Alcaraz and reaching the last four in Paris. Instead, his exit opened the door for Jodar, who will make his debut at the ATP Finals. Jodar joins a confirmed field that includes Alexander Zverev, Alcaraz, Ben Shelton, Daniil Medvedev, Arthur Fils, Flavio Cobolli and Frances Tiafoe.
Earlier on Friday, Tommy Paul’s hopes of qualifying ended when he lost to fellow American Shelton in three sets, 6-4 4-6 6-3. That result secured Tiafoe’s place in Turin. Fritz had been aiming to become the third American in the field alongside Shelton and Tiafoe.
Paris semi-final lineup
Alcaraz will face Casper Ruud in the semi-finals after the Norwegian beat Portugal’s Nuno Borges 7-6 (7-5) 6-4. Shelton will meet French player Luca Van Assche, who defeated Australian qualifier Rinky Hijikata 6-4 6-7 (4-7) 7-5. Hijikata had earlier knocked out Novak Djokovic.
A potential Alcaraz-Shelton final in Paris would echo their five-set US Open quarter-final, which Shelton won in a final-set tie-break. The ATP Finals in Turin begin on November 15 and will be broadcast live on Sky Sports.
Turin field and home hopes
Alcaraz is still seeking his first ATP Finals title after three previous attempts. Italian hopes in Turin will rest on Cobolli, as Jannik Sinner ended his season early because of a knee problem that has kept him out since he won Wimbledon in July. Sinner also announced on Friday that he and coach Darren Cahill had parted ways after five years.
Fritz’s missed opportunity leaves him outside the eight-man field, while Alcaraz continues his Paris campaign with a semi-final against Ruud.
