In a display of sheer brilliance at the 2025 French Open, defending champion Carlos Alcaraz delivered a masterclass on Court Philippe-Chatrier, dismantling American Tommy Paul in a swift 94-minute victory to secure his place in the semifinals. The 22-year-old Spaniard, ranked world No. 2, overwhelmed the 12th-seeded Paul with a commanding 6-0, 6-1, 6-4 scoreline, reinforcing his status as a formidable force on the Parisian clay. As Alcaraz continues his title defense, the tennis world is left wondering: can anyone halt his relentless march toward a second consecutive Roland Garros crown?
Alcaraz’s performance was nothing short of spectacular, blending blistering forehands, deft volleys, and unshakable focus. The first two sets were a one-sided affair, with Alcaraz conceding just one game in a mere 55 minutes, leaving Paul struggling to find answers. Despite Paul’s resilience in the third set, where he briefly led 2-1 and pushed the score to 4-4, Alcaraz’s precision and athleticism proved insurmountable. “I could close my eyes and everything went in,” Alcaraz said post-match, reflecting on his near-flawless execution. “My feeling today was unbelievable. I was trying to hit every shot 100 per cent, just hitting forward. Today was one of those matches where everything went in.” His dominance was evident in his 80% first-serve point win rate and 25 winners, including a stunning passing shot that left the crowd gasping.[](https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/tennis/live/cpdzgzg46j0t)
Paul, the U.S. No. 2, entered the match nursing a lower abdominal injury, which likely hampered his performance. Despite his grit, highlighted by a 132mph ace and a spirited third-set effort, he couldn’t match Alcaraz’s intensity. “We are in the quarter-final of Roland Garros, and these matches are never easy,” Alcaraz acknowledged, giving credit to his opponent. “I have played against Tommy many times, and every match has been difficult. He has beaten me twice, and that helped me at the beginning of the match to just focus on my tennis.” The American, who made history as the first U.S. man to reach the Roland Garros quarterfinals since Andre Agassi in 2003, fought valiantly but admitted Alcaraz’s level was overwhelming.[](https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/tennis/live/cpdzgzg46j0t)[](https://khelnow.com/tennis/carlos-alcaraz-vs-tommy-paul-prediction-202506)
This quarterfinal clash marked the seventh meeting between Alcaraz and Paul, with the Spaniard now leading their head-to-head 4-2. Their rivalry, which began in 2022 with Paul’s upset win in Canada, has been marked by competitive battles, but Alcaraz has taken control in recent encounters, including victories at Wimbledon 2024 and the Paris Olympics. On clay, Alcaraz’s 19-1 record this season and 100th career clay-court win, achieved against Ben Shelton in the fourth round, underscored his dominance. “I always say that this tournament is so special to me,” Alcaraz said, savoring his third consecutive semifinal appearance at Roland Garros. “Every time that I come here, every year it feels special. I’m really happy to be in the semi-finals again.”[](https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/tennis/live/cpdzgzg46j0t)[](https://www.espn.com/tennis/story/_/id/45422922/alcaraz-shows-sportsmanship-paul-best-us-run-agassi)
Alcaraz’s path to the semifinals has been a blend of routine wins and hard-fought battles. After a straight-sets victory over Giulio Zeppieri, he dropped sets to Fabian Marozsan, Damir Dzumhur, and Shelton, showcasing his ability to adapt under pressure. His 11-match winning streak at Roland Garros, coupled with titles in Rotterdam, Monte Carlo, and Rome this season, positions him as a leading contender. “I know the crowd wanted to watch more tennis, so I have to say sorry about that,” Alcaraz quipped, acknowledging the brevity of his match but emphasizing his focus on efficiency. “I had to do my work.”[](https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/tennis/live/cpdzgzg46j0t)[](https://theplayoffs.news/en/carlos-alcaraz-vs-tommy-paul-head-to-head-preview-prediction-and-betting-odds-for-the-french-open-2025-quarterfinals/)
Next up, Alcaraz faces Italy’s Lorenzo Musetti, who advanced after a four-set win over Frances Tiafoe. Musetti, the eighth seed, brings a creative one-handed backhand and strong clay-court form, but Alcaraz’s 3-0 head-to-head lead, including two clay victories this season, makes him the favorite. “I think Carlos Alcaraz wants to be more efficient in this match because he knows that against Lorenzo Musetti he is going to have to play at his highest level,” one commentator noted, highlighting the challenge ahead. With a potential final against top seed Jannik Sinner or Novak Djokovic looming, Alcaraz’s performance suggests he’s peaking at the right time.[](https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/tennis/live/cpdzgzg46j0t)[](https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/tennis/french-open-live-scores-alcaraz-paul-results-b2762983.html)
Paul’s run, though cut short, was a milestone for American tennis, with he and Tiafoe marking the first time two U.S. men reached the Roland Garros quarterfinals since 1996. Despite the loss, Paul’s five-set victories over Marton Fucsovics and Karen Khachanov showcased his resilience. “Tommy Paul is an unbelievable player,” Alcaraz said, recognizing his opponent’s skill despite the lopsided score. As Alcaraz prepares for his semifinal showdown, his display against Paul has sent a clear message: the Spaniard is a force to be reckoned with, and stopping him will require an extraordinary effort.
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