Carlos Alcaraz, the reigning French Open champion, delivered a breathtaking performance at Roland Garros 2025, dismantling American Tommy Paul in a one-sided quarterfinal clash that left the Court Philippe-Chatrier crowd in awe—and perhaps a touch disappointed. The 22-year-old Spaniard, ranked world No. 2, secured his third consecutive semifinal berth in Paris with a resounding 6-0, 6-1, 6-4 victory, completed in a mere 94 minutes. While his display of blistering forehands, pinpoint serves, and dazzling drop shots solidified his status as a title favorite, Alcaraz took a moment to offer a heartfelt apology to the 15,000 fans for the brevity of the spectacle. “I know you wanted to watch more tennis, I have to say sorry about it,” he told the crowd, his trademark smile softening the sting of their short-lived evening. “I had to do my work.”
The match was a masterclass in precision and power, with Alcaraz overwhelming Paul from the outset. The first two sets were a near-flawless exhibition, as he dropped just one game in 55 minutes, firing 40 winners, including 25 in the opening sets alone. His first serve was a weapon, winning 87% of points, and he didn’t face a single break point. “I could close my eyes and everything went in,” Alcaraz said, reflecting on a performance that felt almost effortless. “My feeling today was unbelievable. I was trying to hit every shot at my 100 per cent… not thinking about anything else, and today was one of those matches where everything went in.” Even Paul, the No. 12 seed, couldn’t help but acknowledge the onslaught, admitting, “It wasn’t particularly fun. He played some great tennis, returned very well, had me on my back foot all the time, playing so fast.”
Despite the scoreline, Alcaraz was quick to credit Paul’s ability, noting their competitive history. The American, who made history alongside Frances Tiafoe as the first pair of U.S. men to reach the Roland Garros quarterfinals since 1996, had previously beaten Alcaraz twice, including a memorable upset in Toronto in 2023. “We are in the quarter-final of a Grand Slam, of Roland Garros. I mean, these kinds of matches are never easy,” Alcaraz said. “I played against Tommy many times and every match was really, really difficult. He beat me twice, so that helped me at the beginning of the match just to focus on my tennis.” This focus was evident as Alcaraz maintained relentless intensity, refusing to let Paul gain a foothold, even when the American showed flashes of resilience with a 132mph ace and a brief 4-4 tie in the third set.
Paul, hampered by a lower abdominal injury, struggled to match Alcaraz’s pace. “Even on the changeovers, he was getting up so fast with 20 seconds left,” Paul remarked, chuckling at the Spaniard’s relentless energy. Despite the defeat, Paul took pride in his tournament run, which included five-set wins over Marton Fucsovics and Karen Khachanov, and expressed growing confidence on clay. “I’m not an easy prey for anyone, except for Carlos today,” he quipped, showcasing his good humor despite the lopsided loss.
Alcaraz’s journey to the semifinals has been a mix of brilliance and grit. After dropping sets in three of his four prior matches, including a grueling four-setter against Ben Shelton where he showcased sportsmanship by conceding a point for an illegal shot, Alcaraz found his peak form against Paul. His 20-1 clay-court record in 2025, bolstered by titles in Rotterdam, Monte Carlo, and Rome, underscores his dominance on the surface. “I always say that this tournament is so special to me,” he said, savoring the energy of the Parisian crowd. “Every time I come here, every year, it feels special. I’m really happy to be in the semifinals again, third time in a row.”
Now, Alcaraz faces Italy’s Lorenzo Musetti, the No. 8 seed, in a semifinal showdown on June 6, 2025. Having defeated Musetti twice on clay this season, including in the Monte Carlo final, Alcaraz is the clear favorite, but he remains cautious. “I tried to step on the court, really focus on my things, try not to go down or let him get into the match,” he said, a strategy he’ll likely employ against Musetti’s crafty one-handed backhand. With a potential final against Jannik Sinner or Novak Djokovic looming, Alcaraz’s apology to the crowd may be the last thing on fans’ minds as he continues his quest to defend his French Open crown.
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