Carlos Alcaraz delivered a blistering performance at Roland Garros on Tuesday, needing just 94 minutes to sweep past American Tommy Paul and book his place in the French Open semi-finals. The defending champion took just 53 minutes to secure a two-set lead, conceding only one game en route to a dominant 6-0, 6-1, 6-4 victory.
The 22-year-old Spaniard, now aiming for his fourth Grand Slam title, will face Italian eighth seed Lorenzo Musetti, who overcame Frances Tiafoe in a four-set quarter-final earlier in the day. Musetti, 23, produced a composed and elegant display to beat Tiafoe 6-2, 4-6, 7-5, 6-2, reaching his second career Slam semi-final.
Alcaraz, known for blending brute force with finesse, outclassed 12th seed Paul with a lethal mix of blistering forehands, clever drop shots, and crowd-pleasing lobs. Paul, in his best Roland Garros run yet, failed to earn a single break point, while Alcaraz converted six of 17 opportunities.
Joking with the crowd after his straight-set win, Alcaraz apologized for the brevity of the match but noted it was “one of those nights where everything went in.” Former British number one Greg Rusedski called the performance a “statement” and praised Alcaraz’s sharp jump in level after three consecutive four-set matches.
Musetti, meanwhile, continues a breakthrough clay season, now boasting a 19-win record on the surface in 2025. His single-handed backhand and retro playing style have thrilled fans, but his recent personal milestones may be fueling his rise just as much. With a second child on the way and fatherhood already changing his perspective, Musetti credits a newfound maturity for his success.
Despite a minor controversy—he received a warning for accidentally striking a line judge with a kicked ball—Musetti remained composed and dedicated the win to his family, saying: “It’s a process of growing, not just on the court but off it.”
Alcaraz has already bested Musetti twice on clay this year—once in Rome and again in Monte Carlo. But with Musetti in the “best period of his life,” their semi-final showdown promises to be a compelling clash of flair, focus, and firepower.