The top-seeded Spain's Carlos Alcaraz eased past Daniel Evans 6-2, 6-2 to reach the final of Barcelona Open, where he is bidding to become the first repeat champion since Rafael Nadal lifted the trophy three years in a row from 2016-18.
Novak Djokovic inched closer to a record-extending 10th Australian Open title after he overcame a sluggish start to defeat Tommy Paul 7-5, 6-1, 6-2 in the semifinals at Melbourne Park, here on Friday.
While Daniil Medvedev of Russia will enter the US Open as the No. 1 player in the ATP Rankings, there may be a significant change in the standings in New York with five players vying for the top spot: Nadal, Medvedev, Alcaraz, Stefanos Tsitsipas of Greece, and Casper Ruud of Norway.
Djokovic, the nine-time Australian Open winner, is also the defending champion at Melbourne Park. The Australian Open commences on January 17.
"We're coming to the end of the year, I could really use a big result," said Fritz. "This is just what I needed, playing one of my favourite tournaments close to home."
