Sixth seed Fritz, the 2024 runner-up, matched Alcaraz for much of their enthralling encounter. But Alcaraz, as is so often the case, simply found another gear to turn the game around.
An initial four 30-minute games set the tone, with both players trading breaks in lengthy service games.
Fritz, who won the pair’s most recent indoor match at the Laver Cup in September, missed two break points in the eighth game but kept up the pressure and seized control of the tie-break to deservedly claim a 70-minute first set.
Alcaraz earned a crucial serve after an eighth deuce in an enthralling 14-minute fifth game of the second set, pointing to his ear as he lapped up the crowd’s appreciation after saving two break points.
Fritz overcame his first test of the second set to seal an important lead at 4-4, but he could not escape four games later when, seemingly out of nowhere, a rare double fault contributed to a 0-40 deficit – and Alcaraz took advantage of his opportunity.
Fritz continued to take on his opponent, finishing the match with 75% of the first serve-in, but Alcaraz took full advantage as his level eventually dropped.
Breaking for a 4-2 lead, Alcaraz looked to finish in style, landing a spectacular backhand drop shot to reach a third match point after Fritz’s serve.
Fritz rightly received the crowd’s adoration for hanging in the match, only for a free-flowing Alcaraz to serve out the match to be loved.
“It was tight. I felt like I was struggling more than him,” Alcaraz added.
“I was very relieved after the win because of everything I went through physically. I’m very happy that I found a way to come back and find his weaknesses.”
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