ATP Tour

Fritz beats Fils in Paris to keep Nitto ATP Finals dream alive

Taylor Fritz continued his pursuit of Nitto ATP Finals qualification on Thursday at the Rolex Paris Masters, where he eased past home hope Arthur Fils to advance to the quarter-finals.

In a rock-solid display at the ATP Masters 1000 event, the American served with conviction to sink Fils 6-3, 6-4 in a one-hour, 11-minute third-round encounter in Paris. Currently in 11th place in the PIF ATP Live Race To Turin, Fritz is now 184 points behind ninth-placed Rafael Jodar in the Live Race as two spots remain for the season finale.

"I was returning really well and serving really well," Fritz said. "That kind of takes care of itself when I am serving well and playing aggressively. It was fast conditions, and it really enabled me when I stepped in and went for the shots."

Fritz rallied from a set down in his first two matches in the French capital but was in control from early on against the Frenchman, who was aiming to reach the last eight at his home Masters 1000 event for the first time. The American claimed an early break at 3-2 in the opening set to move ahead.  

Fritz then struck again to break Fils at 1-1 in the second set and eventually marched to a Tour-leading 13th indoor win of the season. The 29-year-old finished having faced no break points, according to Infosys ATP Stats, and produced 29 winners to Fils' 15, including 14 aces.

Thursday’s victory against Fils marks Fritz’s 100th Masters 1000 win. The American is now into his second Masters 1000 quarter-final of the season (after Cincinnati) and 16th overall.

Awaiting Fritz in the last eight will be second seed Carlos Alcaraz, who advanced after Matteo Berrettini withdrew due to injury ahead of their third-round clash. Alcaraz, who is aiming to reach the last four in Paris for the first time in his career, holds a 6-1 Lexus ATP Head2Head series lead against Fritz.

"I am excited for it," Fritz said about facing Alcaraz on Friday. "Excited for the opportunity. That's why I have gotten to this point in the tournament. I knew I was probably gonna have to go through him if I wanted to [have the chance] to make Turin. So, I'm ready to play."