Alcaraz Storms Past Paul to Reach French Open Semi-Finals

Title Defence Gathers Pace with Ruthless Straight-Sets Win

Carlos Alcaraz sent out a powerful message to the rest of the field with a blistering 6-0 6-1 6-4 win over Tommy Paul in the quarter-finals of the 2025 French Open.

The defending champion took just 53 minutes to establish a two-set lead and never allowed the American into the contest, showcasing his best performance of the tournament so far.

The 22-year-old Spaniard will now face Lorenzo Musetti for a place in Sunday’s final after the Italian eighth seed saw off Frances Tiafoe in four sets.

“One of those matches where everything went in,” said Alcaraz.

BBC pundit Greg Rusedski called it a “magnificent statement” by the world number two.

Alcaraz Hits Top Gear

Coming into the match, Alcaraz had been taken to four sets in each of his previous three rounds. But against Paul, he was virtually flawless — hitting 17 break points and converting six while never facing one on his own serve.

Alcaraz overwhelmed Paul with a combination of heavy groundstrokes, pinpoint lobs, and deft drop shots, wrapping up the night session on Court Philippe-Chatrier in just 94 minutes.

The American had his best-ever Roland Garros run but couldn’t handle Alcaraz’s relentless tempo until the third set, when he showed more resistance but ultimately fell short.

Musetti’s Moment: Family, Focus & Redemption

Lorenzo Musetti, Carlos Alcaraz

Lorenzo Musetti, 23, reached his second Grand Slam semi-final after a 6-2 4-6 7-5 6-2 victory over Frances Tiafoe, ending American hopes in the men’s singles draw.

Tiafoe, the first US man in a French Open quarter-final since 2003, faded after a spirited fight in the second and third sets.

Musetti’s elegant one-handed backhand and composed temperament shone through, and the Italian credited his growth to fatherhood and maturity.

“Becoming a father changed me. It gave me extra responsibility and I now approach everything more professionally,” Musetti said after the match.

He dedicated the win to his family, including his son Ludovico, born last year, and his partner Veronica, who is currently expecting their second child.

Head-to-Head: Alcaraz vs Musetti

Alcaraz has already beaten Musetti twice on clay in 2025 — in the Rome semi-finals and the Monte Carlo final. However, Musetti has lost just three times on clay all season and arrives in red-hot form with 19 wins on the surface.

What’s Next

The semi-final showdown between Carlos Alcaraz and Lorenzo Musetti promises fireworks — a battle between Alcaraz’s power and Musetti’s finesse.

Both players are in strong form and know each other’s games well. For Alcaraz, it’s a step closer to defending his crown. For Musetti, it’s a shot at history.

French Open 2025 – Men’s Singles Semi-Finals

• Carlos Alcaraz [2] vs Lorenzo Musetti [8]

• Date: TBD (later this week)