Alcaraz and Shelton Reach Paris Masters Semifinals as ATP Finals Field is Set

Carlos Alcaraz advanced to his first Paris Masters semifinal by defeating Taylor Fritz 6-7 (10), 7-5, 6-3 after saving two match points.

Carlos Alcaraz reached the Paris Masters semifinals for the first time on Friday, defeating Taylor Fritz 6-7 (10), 7-5, 6-3. Alcaraz saved match points while trailing 5-3 and 5-4 in the second set, including a forehand pass to stay in the contest. The seven-time Grand Slam champion, who won the Vienna title last week, extended the match by 90 minutes after facing those critical break points.

Ben Shelton secured his debut Paris semifinal appearance by winning an all-American quarterfinal against Tommy Paul 6-4, 4-6, 6-3. Shelton recorded 19 aces and converted two of his four break point opportunities during the victory. This result marked Shelton's third win in five career meetings against Paul and simultaneously ended Paul's chances of qualifying for the season-ending tournament in Turin.

The day's results finalized the eight-player field for the ATP Finals. Frances Tiafoe clinched a spot for his tournament debut following Paul's exit, while Rafael Jodar secured the eighth and final position due to Fritz's loss. They join Alexander Zverev, Alcaraz, Shelton, Daniil Medvedev, Flavio Cobolli, and Arthur Fils in the qualified field.

In upcoming semifinal matchups, Alcaraz will face Casper Ruud, who advanced with a 7-6 (5), 6-4 win over Nuno Borges. Shelton is scheduled to play Luca Van Assche. Van Assche reached the penultimate round by defeating Rinky Hijikata 6-4, 6-7 (4), 7-5 in a match that lasted nearly three hours.