Discover how Carlos Alcaraz’s fierce determination and Musetti’s resilience shaped a dramatic Roland Garros semifinal, leaving fans on the edge of their seats.
A Clash of Rising Stars and Unyielding Will
On a tense Friday afternoon beneath the closed roof of Court Philippe-Chatrier, Carlos Alcaraz’s bid for back-to-back French Open titles survived its sternest test yet. Facing an inspired Lorenzo Musetti, the defending champion was pushed to his limits for nearly two hours before seizing control and ultimately advancing to the final after Musetti, hampered by a left leg injury, was forced to retire trailing 4-6, 7-6(3), 6-0, 2-0.
Musetti’s Sparkling Start: An Early Lead for the Italian
The match began with both players displaying the full breadth of their clay-court artistry. Musetti, whose elegant single-handed backhand and deft touch have made him a fan favorite, immediately set the tone. He matched Alcaraz shot for shot, using his variety and movement to keep the Spaniard off balance. The Italian’s confidence was evident as he executed a stunning volley in the third game, and his relentless pressure paid off in the tenth, when he broke Alcaraz to claim the first set 6-4.
Alcaraz, meanwhile, struggled to find his trademark rhythm. His first serve percentage lagged, and his usually reliable drop shots betrayed him. As American legends Jim Courier and Andre Agassi noted in commentary, the defending champion looked “jittery” and “unsettled,” a rare sight for the 22-year-old who has already made Paris his stage.
Second Set: A Battle of Nerves and Momentum
If Musetti had the upper hand in the opener, the second set was a test of nerve and resilience for both. Alcaraz twice broke Musetti’s serve, only for the Italian to respond immediately each time, refusing to let the Spaniard pull away. Their exchanges were fierce and tactical, each probing for weaknesses, each refusing to blink.
The set culminated in a tense tiebreak. Here, Alcaraz finally found his spark, unleashing a barrage of forehand winners and playing with renewed authority. He quickly earned five set points, converting on his third with a signature squash-shot forehand that left Musetti flat-footed and the crowd roaring. The relief on Alcaraz’s face was palpable—he had survived Musetti’s onslaught and leveled the match.
Turning Point: Alcaraz’s Fury and Musetti’s Misfortune
With the momentum now firmly on his side, Alcaraz elevated his game to another level. The third set was a showcase of his explosive athleticism and tactical brilliance. He reeled off nine consecutive games, leaving Musetti increasingly hampered and searching for answers. See also: Carlos Alcaraz Crushes Tommy Paul in French Open 2025
At 0-5 in the third set, Musetti called for the physio, clutching his upper left leg. Despite receiving treatment, the pain only worsened, robbing him of his movement and ability to compete at the highest level. Alcaraz, sensing his opponent’s distress, remained focused, closing out the third set 6-0 and breaking immediately to start the fourth.
After just two games in the fourth set, Musetti could continue no longer. He walked to the net, headband off, and offered a handshake to Alcaraz and the umpire—his remarkable clay season ending in disappointment, but with dignity and pride.
Post-Match Reflections: Triumph and Sportsmanship
For Alcaraz, the victory was bittersweet. “It’s never great getting through or winning a match like this,” he said in his on-court interview. “Lorenzo is a great player. He has had an incredible clay season. I always wish him all the best, a quick recovery, and hopefully we are going to enjoy his tennis pretty soon”.
Alcaraz’s statistics told the story of his turnaround: after making just 41% of first serves in the opening set, he raised that number to at least 65% in the subsequent sets. He finished with 34 winners to Musetti’s 22, and his relentless aggression after the second-set tiebreak left the Italian with few answers.
Musetti, for his part, was philosophical in defeat. “I’m sad and disappointed at how it ended. At the beginning of the third set, when I was serving, I started to lose a little bit of strength on the left leg, and it was getting worse and worse, so I decided to stop,” he explained. “At the beginning of the fourth set, I couldn’t go for rallies, I could not move like I was doing earlier in the match. There was too much risk to go forward and to be able to show something even for the crowd”.
Despite the bitter end, Musetti’s run to the semifinals was a breakthrough. He became just the fifth player in history to reach the semifinals at all clay ATP Masters 1000 events and Roland Garros in a single season, finishing with a 19-4 record on clay this year.
The Bigger Picture: Alcaraz’s Parisian Streak and Musetti’s Rise
Alcaraz’s victory stretched his Roland Garros win streak to 13 matches and secured his place in a second consecutive French Open final. At just 22, he is now the fifth-youngest player to reach five Grand Slam finals, and his 21-1 record on clay this season underscores his dominance on the surface.
Musetti, meanwhile, can take pride in how close he came to toppling the defending champion. “I felt I stepped forward on my level today, felt closer to his level. I maintained the high level that we showed for two hours. So happy about that, it’s a step forward, because the last two matches [against Alcaraz] were a little bit one-way,” he said.
Their head-to-head now stands at 6-1 in Alcaraz’s favor, but the Italian’s spirited challenge and improvement this season suggest more battles lie ahead.
Looking Ahead: Carlos Alcaraz Faces the Final Test
With the win, Alcaraz advanced to face the winner of the evening’s blockbuster semifinal between Novak Djokovic and Jannik Sinner. “Good. It’s been three intense weeks, but I’m feeling great,” Alcaraz said, brimming with confidence. “I have a lot of confidence right now. I’m going to give everything on Sunday”.
Alcaraz’s blend of power, creativity, and resilience has made him the man to beat on clay. As he prepares for another shot at the Coupe des Mousquetaires, the tennis world waits to see if he can continue his reign in Paris.
Conclusion: A Battle of Grit, Ended by Fate
Carlos Alcaraz’s 4-6, 7-6(3), 6-0, 2-0 RET victory over Lorenzo Musetti was a testament to the drama and unpredictability of Grand Slam tennis. For nearly two hours, Musetti matched the defending champion with style and courage. But as Alcaraz found his fury and Musetti’s body failed him, the match swung decisively. In the end, it was Alcaraz who stood tall, but both men left the court with their reputations enhanced—one as the present king of clay, the other as a rising star whose time may yet come.