Carlos Alcaraz saved two match points to edge a three-set thriller against Taylor Fritz and book his place in the semi-finals of the Paris Masters on Friday. 

Alcaraz clawed his way back after losing an enthralling first-set tie-break to clinch a 6-7 (10-12) 7-5 6-3 victory to seal a date with either Casper Ruud or Nuno Borges in the final four. 

The second seed looked the fresher of the two players, having reached the quarter-finals due to Matteo Berrettini's injury, and Alcaraz swiftly broke his American opponent.

Fritz missed three chances to get the better of Alcaraz's serve in the eighth game, but he would not be denied for a fourth time as he ensured a tie-break would be needed. 

Both players traded blows to try and gain an advantage, but Alcaraz was the first to blink as Fritz went ahead, and he looked to be in a strong position to advance during the second set. 

Alcaraz defended four break points in the fourth game before Fritz eventually went 5-3 ahead, with two missed chances to win the match coming in back-to-back games. 

However, Alcaraz held firm and reeled off the final four games to take the match the distance, and a break of serve early on in the decider was the opportunity he needed as he confirmed his place in the next round with a blistering forehand. 

CARLOS SURVIVES @carlosalcaraz saves two match points en route to defeating Fritz to reach the last four in Paris #RolexParisMasters https://t.co/KHnof9TXf8

— ATP Tour (@atptour) November 6, 2026

Fritz was not the only American to fall short of a spot in the final four, with Ben Shelton coming out on top in a three-set epic of his own against compatriot Tommy Paul. 

Jack Sock was the last male player from the United States to win the Paris Masters, but Shelton edged closer to emulating him with an impressive 6-4 4-6 6-3 triumph. 

Shelton's reward for his victory is a clash with home hope Luca Van Assche, who defeated qualifier Rinky Hijikata 6-4 6-7 (4-7) 7-5 in an almost three-hour encounter. 

Carlos comes up clutch as Shelton flies the American flag

Having enjoyed a bye after Berrettini's unfortunate withdrawal, many would have expected Alcaraz to storm to victory, especially after Fritz was put through his paces by Arthur Fils in the last 16, but it proved anything but easy for the seven-time major champion.

However, Alcaraz was able to find a way and reached his 15th career semi-final at ATP Masters 1000 events, and his third of 2026, after Indian Wells and Rome.

Alcaraz has also reached the final four at a seventh different ATP Masters 1000 event. Among the nine current events, he has only failed to reach the semi-finals in Montreal/Toronto and Shanghai. 

But should he wish to emerge victorious in the French capital, Shelton will certainly have his say. Since the ATP Masters 1000 format's introduction in 1990, Shelton is the 10th left-hander to reach the semi-finals at the Paris Masters, and the first since Ugo Humbert two years ago. 

Shelton also improved his record against his compatriots at ATP level in 2026 to 14-2. He has now won his past six such matches, with his last defeat coming to Fritz in the quarter-finals in Halle.