Carlos Alcaraz on course for ATP Finals group stage qualification after Taylor Fritz three-set epic

Carlos Alcaraz has doubled up at the ATP Finals as he stayed on course for his maiden crown in the tournament on Tuesday when he stayed unbeaten in an incredible near three hour epic on the courts of Turin.

Alcaraz who has often struggled on the indoor courts at times during his careers produced an epic comeback to win 6-7, 7-5, 6-3 to remain unbeaten at 2-0 in the Jimmy Connors Group. Fritz looked likely to claim a second indoor win over Alcaraz in 2025 but the Spaniard turned the tide and held in the second time pivotally in 14 minutes in what was an arduous but thrilling battle.

Alcaraz can qualify as early as Tuesday but not even by his own accord. If Alex de Minaur halts the progress of debutant Lorenzo Musetti who was well beaten Taylor Fritz earlier in the week, he moves through already going into his final tie. He has moved to win 50 points of securing ATP Year End No.1 also with another win claiming it.

In reality, Sinner said it was a pretty impossible task to get the Year End No.1 earlier in the month and it has been that way albeit given Alcaraz has often struggled in these events, it wasn't overall an automatic struggle. The highlight of his win came early in the second set as Alcaraz conjured up a move befitting of his resume charging the net for a superb volley winner. It was one of many in the 14-minutes they duked it out and given he was break point down, it proved to be one that was vital.

Having saved break points he faced in the second set, he also managed to decide it in his favour in the 12th game. A backhand return clipped the net cord which wrong footed Fritz and opened the door for Alcaraz who converted a second set point. He then dominated the decider 6-3 to move through the gears in the match.

"I try not to think about it to be honest," mooted Alcaraz on the Year End No.1 post match. "Obviously it's gonna be a really big match for me. I will try not to let the nerves play a bad time for me in that match. I'll try to control the emotions, to control myself. I'll think about my goals in the match. I'll try to think about feeling much better than today with the shots, with the serve, with everything. Obviously it's gonna be a big day. Right now I'm gonna enjoy this win and try to rest as much as I can to be ready for the match."