Carlos Alcaraz, the reigning No. 1 in the world, carried on his remarkable streak at the ATP Finals in Turin with a tenacious comeback win over the American Taylor Fritz.
Following almost three hours of entertaining high-quality energy-sapping tennis, the Spaniard emerged victorious 6-7 (2), 7-5, 6-3, extending his excellent form to a second win of the tournament, and putting him within a win from the semi-final.
This result all but guaranteed Alcaraz a berth in the final four at the ATP Masters year-end tournament featuring the top eight players of the regular season.
Fritz Takes the First Set in a Tight Opener
The match began with both players trading early service breaks before settling into a rhythm. The first set saw Fritz maintaining strong control from the baseline, while Carlos Alcaraz tried to find his range and tempo.
It was anyone’s guess what would happen at that stage, as the set headed right into a tiebreak, which Fritz played with plenty of precision and confidence, eventually taking 7-2. Deep forehands, calculated risks, and an overall aggressive play crowned the Americans’ first hopes.
Alcaraz Answers with Signature Panache
The second set became a close battle. Carlos Alcaraz faced two key break points in the fifth game, with Fritz trying to go for the home run. However, the Spaniard showed the normal level of resolve and flair by saving both with eye polish shot play that had the crowd in Turin on its feet.
Just when it looked like the set was headed for a second tiebreak, Alcaraz finally found an important breakthrough in the twelfth game. After combining some disciplined and powerful shots, he was able to convert his second break chance and take the set, 7-5, to even up the match, which seemed to shift the momentum in his favor.
Alcaraz Dominates the Final Set to Seal Victory
The deciding set brought the best version of Carlos Alcaraz to life. Confident on serve and aggressive with the return, he broke Fritz in the sixth game to go up 4-2.
Though he failed to convert three match points on Fritz’s serve in the penultimate game, Alcaraz kept his cool and served out with authority. His powers of recovery from tight situations once more underlined why he is top of the ATP rankings.
After 2 hours and 50 minutes, Carlos Alcaraz celebrated the hard-earned win that keeps him in control of his group and on track for the semifinals.
One Step Away from ATP Year-End No. 1
Apart from the semifinal spot, Carlos Alcaraz is one step away from securing another major milestone: holding the ATP No. 1 ranking at the close of the 2025 season. One more win for the 22-year-old Spaniard could see him finish in pole position once more, confirming his status as the king of men’s tennis once again.
The victory over Taylor Fritz adds to his sensational season so far and sets up another blockbuster encounter as he seeks to crown his season in style here at the ATP Finals Turin.
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