Carlos Alcaraz has declared that his epic victory over Taylor Fritz at the 2026 Paris Masters will “probably go down as one of the most special matches” of his career.

World No 3 Alcaraz defeated 12th-ranked Fritz 6-7(10), 7-5, 6-3 on Friday evening in the quarter-finals at the Masters 1000 tournament in France.

Alcaraz fought back from a 3-5 deficit in the second set and saved two match points in the thrilling two-hour-and-45-minute contest.

The seven-time Grand Slam champion is on a seven-match winning streak, having claimed the title at the Vienna Open last week.

The 23-year-old Spaniard is chasing a maiden Paris Masters title, and he is through to the semi-finals of the prestigious event for the first time.

Speaking to reporters after the match, Alcaraz said: “I started the match really well, and then I got nervous.

“Taylor took advantage of that and raised his level. He was playing better and better, especially from the baseline.

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“I had my chances in the tiebreak, but I didn’t take them and I didn’t make the right decisions.

“At the start of the second set, it was a similar story. But after 5-3, I started to feel a little more relaxed.

“I just wanted to enjoy myself, and that helped the nerves disappear. Once I started letting my shots go, I found my smile again and fed off the energy from the crowd.

“That really helped me. Once I rediscovered that feeling, I enjoyed every second on court, and that was the key.”

In his on-court interview, Alcaraz compared the match to his remarkable victory over Jannik Sinner in the 2025 French Open final.

“I have to say that without the crowd’s support, I would never have managed it,” said Alcaraz.

“I was very nervous today and all the energy I felt from the stands really carried me.

“Today’s match reminded me a little of that Roland Garros final last year. The support I received today was incredible.

“I had missed playing in Paris, and tonight I really understand why. It’s such a special place!

“This will probably go down as one of the most special matches I’ve ever played. I’ll remember it for a very long time.”

Alcaraz will face world No 23 Casper Ruud in the semi-finals in Paris.