Carlos Alcaraz survived two match points to beat Taylor Fritz in Paris, and his escape also booked Spanish compatriot Rafael Jodar a place at the ATP finals.
Carlos Alcaraz refused to go quietly in the Paris Masters quarter-finals. He stared down two match points against Taylor Fritz and came through, sending the American out of the indoor hardcourt event.
The escape was about more than a semi-final berth. The result also worked in favour of Spanish compatriot Rafael Jodar, who secured his place at the ATP finals on the back of Alcaraz's win.
Fritz had the edge at the sharp end of the contest, one point from victory on two separate occasions. Alcaraz's nerve under that pressure is what turned the match, and it showed the composure that has made him one of the toughest opponents on the tour.
For Alcaraz, the focus now shifts to the last four in Paris, where he carries the momentum of a hard-fought win. For Jodar, the news is a landmark moment: a spot at the ATP finals, helped along by a fellow Spaniard's refusal to lose.
