Carlos Alcaraz delivers a stunning performance against Tommy Paul, securing his spot in the French Open semifinals. Discover the match highlights and analysis.
Alcaraz Delivers a Masterclass Under the Paris Lights
Carlos Alcaraz, the defending champion and world No. 2, put on a breathtaking display at Roland Garros, dispatching American 12th seed Tommy Paul 6-0, 6-1, 6-4 in the quarterfinals to reach his third consecutive French Open semifinal. Under the night session lights of Court Philippe-Chatrier, Alcaraz’s performance was a thunderous statement of intent—a reminder to the tennis world of his dominance on clay and his hunger for another Grand Slam crown. See also: Lorenzo Musetti Outduels Frances Tiafoe
A Ruthless Start: Alcaraz’s First Set Whitewash
From the very first ball, Alcaraz’s intensity was unmistakable. He broke Paul’s serve in the opening game and never looked back, racing to a 5-0 lead in just over 15 minutes. Paul, who had battled through a tough draw and was visibly hampered by a thigh injury, could not match the Spaniard’s relentless pace and depth. Alcaraz’s forehand was firing, his movement was electric, and his trademark drop shots left Paul scrambling helplessly.
The set ended 6-0, with Alcaraz saving Paul’s only game point with a brilliant running forehand before sealing the bagel with another dazzling winner. The crowd, initially hoping for a competitive contest, was left in awe of Alcaraz’s shotmaking and poise.
Paul’s Brief Resistance and Alcaraz’s Relentless Response
The second set saw a flicker of resistance from Paul. The American held serve to love to open the set, drawing a roar from the crowd and a wry smile from himself. But Alcaraz, unfazed, immediately broke back and resumed his dominance. He rattled off six consecutive games, taking the set 6-1, and compiled a staggering 23-5 edge in winners over Paul in the first two sets alone.
Paul’s movement was compromised by his injury, but even at full strength, few could have withstood the barrage of heavy topspin and pinpoint accuracy that Alcaraz delivered. The Spaniard’s ability to hit through Paul’s defenses and rush him into errors was on full display, and he finished the second set having dropped just a single game.
A Competitive Third Set—But Carlos Alcaraz Remains Unstoppable
The third set brought a hint of drama as Paul, buoyed by the crowd’s support, managed to edge ahead 4-3. Spectators chanted his name, hoping for a late twist. But Alcaraz, showing the maturity and composure of a seasoned champion, responded in style. He reeled off the final three games, breaking Paul’s serve with a flurry of winners and closing out the match 6-4 after just 94 minutes on court.
Alcaraz finished with 39 winners to just 22 unforced errors, never faced a break point, and won half the points on Paul’s first serve. It was a comprehensive performance that doubled Paul’s point total and left no doubt about who was the superior player on the night.
Post-Match Reflections: Alcaraz’s Confidence and Paul’s Grit
Speaking after the match, Alcaraz acknowledged the level he had reached: “I could close my eyes and everything went in. My feelings today were unbelievable. I was trying to hit every shot at 100 percent, not thinking about anything else, but just hitting. Today was one of those matches when everything just went in”.
He also paid tribute to Paul, who had beaten him twice before and pushed him in previous encounters: “We are in the quarter-finals at a Grand Slam at Roland Garros, and this kind of match is never easy. I have played against Tommy many times, and each match was very difficult. He beat me two times. That helped me at the start of the match to just focus on my tennis, trying not to go down or let him in the match. I tried to be focused the whole match”. See also: Carlos Alcaraz’s Fury and Musetti’s Heart Define Dramatic Roland Garros 2025 Semifinal
For Paul, the defeat was disappointing but not without merit. He became the first American, alongside Frances Tiafoe, to reach the French Open quarterfinals since Andre Agassi in 2003—a significant achievement for U.S. men’s tennis on clay. Despite his injury, Paul fought valiantly and will rise to a career-high ranking of No. 8 in the ATP Live Rankings.
Alcaraz’s Clay-Court Supremacy and the Road Ahead
Alcaraz’s victory extends his Roland Garros winning streak to 11 matches and improves his clay-court record to 32-2 since May of last year. He has already claimed Masters 1000 titles in Monte-Carlo and Rome this season, and his confidence on the surface is palpable. He now stands just two wins away from becoming only the third man this century, after Rafael Nadal and Gustavo Kuerten, to successfully defend the French Open title.
Awaiting Alcaraz in the semifinals is Italy’s Lorenzo Musetti, who earlier defeated Frances Tiafoe in four sets. Musetti, a stylish shotmaker with a strong clay pedigree, will provide a stern test, but Alcaraz’s form suggests he will enter as the clear favorite.
The Significance of Alcaraz’s Performance
Alcaraz’s demolition of Paul was not just a victory; it was a statement. After dropping sets in his previous four matches at Roland Garros, the Spaniard delivered his most complete performance of the tournament when it mattered most. His ability to raise his level in the latter stages of Grand Slams is reminiscent of the greats, and his combination of power, variety, and tactical intelligence sets him apart from his peers.
The Parisian crowd, initially subdued by the one-sided nature of the contest, ultimately recognized the brilliance on display. Alcaraz’s charisma and flair have made him a fan favorite, and his pursuit of a second consecutive Roland Garros crown is now the tournament’s central storyline.
Conclusion: Alcaraz Sends a Message to the Field
Carlos Alcaraz’s 6-0, 6-1, 6-4 victory over Tommy Paul was a masterclass in clay-court tennis. With his place in the semifinals secured, the defending champion has sent a clear message to his rivals: he is ready to defend his crown and add another chapter to his burgeoning legacy. As the French Open heads into its final days, all eyes will be on Alcaraz as he seeks to cement his status as the new king of clay.