Alcaraz survives two match points in epic win to end Fritz' ATP Finals hopes

Victory over seven-time Grand Slam champion Alcaraz would have seen Fritz leapfrog Rafael Jodar in the Race to the ATP Finals and claim the final qualifying spot.

The Spaniard made an early breakthrough but struggled to maintain his advantage as errors crept in and Fritz produced a consistently high level from the baseline. Alcaraz failed to serve out the opening set at 5-4 before the pair went toe-to-toe in a gripping tiebreak.

Fritz saved three set points to take the 61-minute opener 7-6 (10), putting himself firmly in control of the contest.

The American then had three break points early in the second set, but Alcaraz found a way through. Fritz eventually broke ahead at 4-3 and moved within touching distance of a first Tour victory over the Spaniard.

Playing arguably his best tennis of the season, the former world No 4 combined powerful serving and aggressive returns with consistent groundstrokes and resolute defence.

At 5-3, Fritz earned his first match point after one hour and 41 minutes, but Alcaraz wrong-footed him with a superb forehand. The Spaniard then produced one of the points of the year to hold serve, leaving Fritz able to do little more than laugh at his opponent's brilliance.

A second match point followed seven minutes later, but Alcaraz saved that too before breaking Fritz to level at 5-5 and keep his hopes alive.

The pressure then swung firmly onto the American, who had to fight off set points around the two-hour mark. He eventually succumbed at the third attempt as Alcaraz forced a deciding set.

Fritz looked deflated and quickly fell a break behind, although he managed to prevent Alcaraz from extending his advantage before the Spaniard was left to serve for the match.

After two hours and 43 minutes, Alcaraz completed a remarkable 6-7 (10), 7-5, 6-3 victory to book his place in the semi-finals, where he will face either Casper Ruud or Nuno Borges.

Fritz's defeat also confirmed the ATP Finals line-up, with Jodar claiming the final qualification spot by the narrowest of margins.

Speaking after the win, Alcaraz told reporters: "I tried not to let myself down in those difficult moments I had in the second set. I tried to stay strong mentally and try to save those problems, those break points, those match points down.

"I would say at 5-3 down, we played incredible tennis, both of us. Great points. The people were standing up, bringing the energy into the match. I used the people; I used the energy. I gave them what they really wanted to watch today.

"I am just really happy I could play for an hour and a half more for them to entertain them a little bit. It was an incredible feeling. What I got from today was unmatched. I am happy to give myself another chance to step on the court tomorrow."

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