Paris, Nov 7 (IANS) Carlos Alcaraz dug deep to defeat a stern challenge from Taylor Fritz, 6-7(10), 7-5, 6-3, and march into the Paris Masters semifinals.
A meeting with Casper Ruud now stands between him and a place in Sunday’s championship match, with almost €1 million awaiting the eventual winner. The fast indoor hard courts have made it one of his toughest events on the Masters 1000 circuit, and before this year, he had never progressed beyond the quarter-finals. Having finally reached his maiden semi-final, the Spaniard has already secured €290,960. He will face Casper Ruud on Saturday, November 7, with a victory guaranteeing him €532,120 as the runner-up and putting the tournament’s €974,370 winner’s cheque within reach. Tennis – ATP 1000 Masters – Paris Masters – Plenitude Arena, Nanterre, France – November 6, 2026 Spain’s Carlos Alcaraz celebrates after winning his quarter final match against Taylor Fritz of the U.S According to the ATP Tour’s official prize-money breakdown, the 2026 men’s singles champion will collect €974,370, while the runner-up receives €532,120. Beating Ruud would increase Alcaraz’s guaranteed earnings by €241,160, while winning the final would take his tournament payout €683,410 above the amount awarded for a semi-final exit. The difference between finishing first and second is €442,250. Alcaraz faces Casper Ruud in Saturday’s semi-final, November 7, with the match scheduled to begin not before 9:30 PM IST. The Norwegian reached the last four after defeating Portugal’s Nuno Borges 7-6(5), 6-4, continuing a run in which he had progressed through his first four matches in Paris without dropping a set.
Carlos Alcaraz has reached the semi-finals of the Paris Masters for the first time, but his route to the last four was far from straightforward. The Spaniard saved two match points against Taylor Fritz before completing a three-set comeback, keeping alive his hopes of reaching a maiden final in Paris. The financial difference between the remaining stages is considerable.
Carlos Alcaraz, who is making his sixth appearance at the Paris Masters, has historically found the tournament a challenging venue.
The ATP lists the total prize pool for the event at €6,309,095, covering the tournament as a whole rather than the men’s singles competition alone. These awards are determined by a player’s final position and are not cumulative. Alcaraz will receive the amount corresponding to his eventual finish rather than adding the payments for each round. The figures also represent tournament prize money before any applicable taxes or expenses.