ATP Finals: World No. 1 Carlos Alcaraz comes from behind to defeat Taylor Fritz in thriller
World number one Carlos Alcaraz is “relieved” after fighting back from a set down to defeat Taylor Fritz in a thrilling match and move closer to the knockout stages of the ATP Finals in Turin.
With this win, Alcaraz is one victory away from being crowned world number one at the end of the year in his battle with Jannik Sinner.
Fritz, the 2024 runner-up and sixth seed from the United States, matched Alcaraz for much of the 2 hours and 48 minutes of the match.
But true to form, the Spaniard found another way to turn the situation around and prevailed 6-7 (2-7) 7-5 6-3.
“It was nervous. I felt like I was running more than him, struggling more than him,” Alcaraz said.
“I was really relieved after the win because of everything I’d been through physically. I’m really happy that I found a way to find his weaknesses.”
Alcaraz, who is one win away from being ranked number one in the year-end world rankings, added: “I try not to think about it. It’s going to be a very important match for me. [against Lorenzo Musetti in his final group game] I try not to let nerves bring me a bad time. “
Both players are looking for back-to-back wins, with Alcaraz beating Australia’s Alex De Minaur and Fritz beating Italy’s Musetti in straight sets.
De Minaur’s victory over Musetti in Tuesday’s other match in the Jimmy Connors group will confirm Alcaraz’s place in the last four ahead of the final round-robin game against the Italians.
