Taylor Fritz is still hurting from his Paris Masters exit after a heartbreaking loss to Carlos Alcaraz.

Alcaraz came from behind to beat Fritz 6-7(10-12), 7-5, 6-3 in an epic clash, during which the American had two match points. But he failed to close out against the Spaniard, who has since moved on to the final in Paris.

What is preventing Taylor Fritz from winning a Grand Slam?

Another American, Ben Shelton, awaits Alcaraz in the final, while Fritz will be left thinking what could have been at the ATP Masters 1000 tournament. He does, however, have an immediate chance of redemption in Sweden, although Fritz has a tricky Stockholm Open draw.

The world number 12 is the top seed at the event, ahead of which he has received a heartfelt message from tennis legend Boris Becker. It comes as Fritz opens up about his difficult defeat to Alcaraz in the quarterfinals of the Paris Masters.

Boris Becker messages Taylor Fritz after his loss to Carlos Alcaraz

Offering insight into his emotional state, Fritz posted on his Instagram: “This one hurts more than I can put into words. So much on the line, and so close. Left everything I had out there and wanted this more than anything.

“I’m still not sure what to think, but what I do know for sure is that I need to get back to work and there’s a lot of improving to be done now that I’m healthy enough to work. Thank you to everyone who was behind me.”

Among those commenting on the post is Becker, who wrote: “Amazing match Taylor! Keep working hard, eventually you will get there!”

Fritz’s coach Michael Russell also chimed in, saying: “Great fight and a lot to be proud of! Back to work.” Meanwhile, his fellow players Alcaraz, Shelton, Coco Gauff and Stan Wawrinka have shown their support by liking the social media post.

Taylor Fritz has extra reason to be disappointed after Paris Masters exit

Of course, Fritz has every reason to feel disappointed by his defeat given its additional consequences. He not only exited the Paris Masters, but also missed out on qualification for the ATP Finals later this month. Instead, Alcaraz’s fellow Spaniard Rafael Jodar has secured the final spot.

Still, the American showed fantastic sportsmanship after his latest loss despite the outcome. He smiled as he shook Alcaraz’s hand at the net, accepting that his opponent took his game to another level entirely as the match progressed. They shared a warm embrace afterwards, with Alcaraz even apologising for the outcome.

There will, of course, still be American representation in Turin later this month. Shelton and Frances Tiafoe have qualified for the ATP Finals, alongside Alexander Zverev, Alcaraz, Daniil Medvedev, Flavio Cobolli, Arthur Fils and Jodar. Meanwhile, Coco Gauff and Jessica Pegula are the American representatives competing at this week’s WTA Finals in Indian Wells.