Carlos Alcaraz Reaches Paris Masters Final After Beating Casper Ruud

Carlos Alcaraz began his Paris Masters campaign with a straight sets victory over Alex Michelsen on November 4. ABC reported a 7-6, 6-3 win in the second round.

His next scheduled opponent was Matteo Berrettini. But an arm injury prevented that match from taking place, giving Alcaraz a passage into the quarterfinals without returning to court, according to Associated Press.

On November 5, Berrettini withdrew before his third round meeting with Alcaraz. L'Équipe reported that an arm problem had forced him out, while Adnkronos - ultimoratop reported that he planned to undergo further examinations in the following days.

On November 6, Taylor Fritz put Alcaraz under sustained pressure in their quarterfinal. Fritz took the opening set after a tiebreak lasting almost 15 minutes, according to EL PAIS.

Fritz then led 5-3 in the second set and had two match points, The Big Lead reported. Alcaraz saved both and turned the match around.

Alcaraz won 6-7 [10], 7-5, 6-3, according to L'Équipe. The comeback carried him beyond the Paris quarterfinals for the first time, ABC reported.

Alcaraz is into his first Paris Masters semifinal and will face Casper Ruud. The semifinal pairings were confirmed in coverage published on November 7 by La Nacion, which also placed Luca Van Assche in the other match.

The quarterfinal result had consequences beyond Paris. Alcaraz's victory helped Rafael Jodar qualify for the ATP Finals, BBC Sport reported, while The Big Lead reported that Fritz had been eliminated from contention.

The next test is Ruud, with a place in the Paris final at stake. Alcaraz is seeking his first title at this tournament, according to La Nacion, after already breaking through his previous quarterfinal ceiling.