Paris Masters: Cameron Norrie loses to Taylor Fritz as ATP finals bid takes a blow

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Cameron Norrie is now trailing Poland's Hubert Hurkacz, by 190 points, in the race to get into the ATP finals

Cameron Norrie, the number one British male tennis player, lost in straight sets to Taylor Fritz in Paris. His hopes of qualifying for ATP Finals were dashed.

Fritz won 6-3 7-6 (7-3), to reach the eighth round, where he will play world number one Novak Djokovic.

Paris is offering significant points in Paris for those who are looking to secure a spot at the year-end ATP Finals.

26-year-old Norrie could have been guaranteed qualification if she won the title.

Both players displayed exceptional tennis, and the match ended in a tie-break in set 2.

Fritz continued his fine form, beating Norrie despite being beaten by Norrie. Fritz served well throughout, scoring 10 aces to the Britons 3.

Norrie reached six finals this season, including his title win at Indian Wells last month. His form saw him climb from 74th to 13th in the world rankings.

Two spots remain at the ATP Finals Turin. Only the top eight singles players are eligible.

Norway's Casper Ruud, and Poland's Hubert Hurkacz lead Norrie. Hurkacz added 90 points to his total following a 4-6 7-5 6-2 win over Dominik Koepfer of Germany in Paris.

Hurkacz trails Norrie by 190 points during the fight for qualification.

Norrie, when asked about his chances of reaching ATP finals after his defeat, said that it still depended on other results like Hubert tomorrow or Casper today. But, it seems unlikely to me. I haven’t done the maths.

Norrie was told that he needed to win the Stockholm Open, and Hurkacz must lose his Paris quarterfinal on Friday in order to qualify.

"Sounds difficult," Norrie conceded. He confirmed, however, that he would still travel as an alternate to the finals.

"I will go to Turin regardless, I believe there are two alternative spots, depending on how everything turns out. But I'll be an alternate there. Then I'll prepare and get ready to compete in the Davis Cup."

Norrie stated that he will compete in Stockholm based on Friday's results.

After suffering a leg injury in his second round win over Adrian Mannarino, Djokovic advanced to the quarter-finals and didn't lift a racquet.

Australia's James Duckworth beat Alexei Popyrin 7-6 (8-6 6-4) to reach his first Masters quarterfinal, where he will play Hurkacz.

The doubles saw Jamie Murray of Britain advance to the final eight with Brazilian Bruno Soares. He defeated Alexander Bublik and Roberto Bautista Agut from Spain 6-1 6-3.