Roland-Garros 2025: Carlos Alcaraz crushes Tommy Paul and reaches the last four
The defending champion and one of this year's favorites, the Spaniard defeated the American in the quarterfinals of the French Open. He will face Italy's Lorenzo Musetti in the next round.
Live hosted by Valentin Baudry
- The defending champion lived up to his status and rank against Tommy Paul, seeded number 12, in the quarterfinals of the French Open tennis tournament: 6-0, 6-1, 6-4. The 22-year-old Spaniard, facing the American on Tuesday, June 3rd on Philippe-Chatrier court, displayed his game and his technical range with disconcerting ease, to reach the last four of the Grand Slam, all in one hour and thirty-four minutes of play.
- There he will face Italian Lorenzo Musetti, who also defeated American Frances Tiafoe earlier in the day: 6-2, 4-6, 7-5, 6-2. Their semi-final will take place on Thursday, before a potential title defense for "Carlitos" on Sunday.
- Disconcerted by the effectiveness of the Spaniard's shots, Tommy Paul had nevertheless declared before the match that he had " a few ideas in mind" to beat him, and in particular a game plan based on his opponent's backhand. But "Carlitos" also had one, made up of a combination of natural talent and remarkable precision. So much so that the world number 2 himself appeared surprised by his domination, after his victory: "I could have closed my eyes, and everything would have fallen into place today."
- The tournament favorite, the Spaniard will face four potential heavyweight opponents if he qualifies for the final. Serbian Novak Djokovic, a three-time Roland-Garros winner, will face Alexander Zverev in the quarterfinals, the unfortunate finalist of the previous edition, beaten by... Carlos Alcaraz. But also the ATP Tour's No. 1, Italian Jannik Sinner, who will face Kazakh Alexander Bublik, a real surprise in the men's draw.
It was a quick match, and the live show ended early, or almost. No late night, no five-set battle, but rather a cozy bed and a deep sleep to reinvigorate before Loïs Boisson's quarterfinal match tomorrow against Mirra Andreeva.
We will open our live stream at 11:30 a.m. to follow this long-awaited, and hopefully historic, match.
Until then, good night to you, and thank you for your loyalty!
I'll pass the word on to my colleagues, who will take care of his next match.
I almost feel sorry for Tommy, but also for not staying longer with you tonight!
I've been informed of an illness in a Parisian hotel room. The victim is apparently Italian, with a charming lapel. We're sending out a patrol.
"I could have closed my eyes, and everything would have gone in. I tried to hit every shot at 100 percent, practically, and everything worked today."
"I had matches against Tommy that were very difficult, he beat me twice, and it helped me to concentrate on my tennis, and this during the whole match, to not let him regain the upper hand, because he is an excellent player."
The Spaniard made short work of the American: 6-0, 6-1, 6-4. A quarter-final demonstration, in one hour and thirty-four minutes. Terrible, terrifying, chilling.
He joins Lorenzo Musetti in the semi-finals!
What was bound to happen, happened. Tommy Paul struggled in this third set, before finally conceding his service game to the Spaniard, mercilessly. "Carlitos" risks being done in a few minutes.
And now he is at 30-40, while the third set remains tied: 4-4.
If successful, the Spaniard will serve for the match. We have to hold Tommy, come on!
The very smart Tommy, who waits for Carlos to bite the line.
Yes. Good. That probably doesn't mean anything. The third set isn't over, we promise.
Carlos Alcaraz. I'll take this opportunity to show you him in action, by the way.
The American even combined a backhand crosscourt and smash volley to sweep "Carlitos" off his feet. Could we believe he won the set?
The Spaniard maintains his service game and begins to frown: yes, he does indeed have an opponent in front of him, not a punching bag.
This "sofa" was all lies and deception from my colleague... No way! A good old chair will do.
I'll give you the whole aquarium for your trouble. Maybe Tommy will be as fresh as a daisy thanks to this. He just won his service game (again!), by the way.
Well, Tommy Paul isn't quite ready to break yet, but the center court is enjoying the early show. Carlos Alcaraz has still taken his service game, because you can't push it.
If necessary, I am ready and willing to spend the night there.
Le Monde
