Carlos Alcaraz vs Casper Ruud Preview & Prediction | 2026 Paris Masters | Semi-final
by Rob Esteva ·
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Carlos Alcaraz earned a huge win against Taylor Fritz in the quarter-finals on Friday, and he now comes up against Casper Ruud in the semi-finals in Paris.
Ranking points: ATP 1000
Start date/time:
Venue: La Defense Arena, Paris, France
Surface: Indoor hard
How to watch on TV: UK – Sky Sports Tennis / US – Tennis Channel
How to watch online: UK – Sky Go / US – Tennis Channel
Tickets: Visit this link for the latest Carlos Alcaraz vs Casper Ruud ticket information
Carlos Alcaraz vs Casper Ruud prediction
Casper Ruud put in an outstanding performance in the quarter-finals to finally end Nuno Borges’ remarkable run in Paris. After being eliminated in qualifying, Borges was handed a lucky loser spot and seemed inspired by the freedom that gave him, playing some outstanding tennis.
Borges’ serve had been rock solid, and he had not been broken in any of his three main-draw matches prior to the quarter-finals, until Ruud broke his resolve in the second set. That ultimately decided the match, and it was nothing more than Ruud deserved as he continued his fine form in Paris.
Ruud now takes on second seed Carlos Alcaraz in a fascinating semi-final. After receiving a walkover in the Round of 16 when Matteo Berrettini withdrew, Alcaraz had to battle his way past a stubborn Taylor Fritz in the quarter-finals, edging through 6-7, 7-5, 6-3.
There was little between the two players, and Alcaraz could easily have been eliminated, but he dug deep and won some key points, especially on his own serve. He faced 12 break points and was broken only twice, while he generated nine of his own and broke Fritz four times.
This semi-final will be super interesting, but Alcaraz can lean on his outstanding record against the Norwegian. The pair have met seven times on the ATP Tour, with Alcaraz winning six of those, including the last two, the most recent of which came at Indian Wells earlier this year.
Alcaraz is on a mission to round out 2026 in style, and as well as Ruud is playing, he does not quite have enough in his locker to get the win here. We expect the Spaniard to progress to the final.
Carlos Alcaraz vs Casper Ruud tip: Carlos Alcaraz to win
