'I could have closed my eyes and everything would have gone in - Carlos Alcaraz dominates in Roland Garros quarterfinals

Carlos Alcaraz poses with the Indian Wells title on March 17, 2024 (Credit: Imago)

'I could have closed my eyes and everything would have gone in - Carlos Alcaraz dominates in Roland Garros quarterfinals

Hassan Abdulsalam 21:43 - 03.06.2025

Carlos Alcaraz has dominated in the Roland Garros quarterfinals

Carlos Alcaraz ranked 2nd in the world, cruised into the Roland Garros semifinals with a dominant victory over Tommy Paul, 28, ranked 12th, 6-0, 6-1, 6-4. The defending champion will face Lorenzo Musetti, 23, ranked 7th, in the next round.

The evening session at Roland Garros featured a clash between Carlos Alcaraz, one of the tournament favorites, and Tommy Paul, who had delivered consistently strong performances until this point.

Carlos Alcaraz dropped only five games against Tommy Paul.

Following discussions about inconsistency in his game and unconvincing performances in Paris, Alcaraz played at an incredible level against Paul. Aside from a closely contested second game, the Spaniard dominated the first set, hitting impressive shots to take it 6-0.

Novak Djokovic
Novak Djokovic claimed his 99th title at the Paris Olympics in 2024 (Credit: Imago)

Alcaraz continued his dominance in the second set, while the American had no answer to his explosive opponent. The world number two played with power, precision, and determination, securing the second set 6-1.

In the third set, Paul raised his game, capitalizing on Alcaraz's fatigue and holding his serve to take several leads. The momentum shifted at 4-4 when the 22-year-old broke again and then served out the match: 6-0, 6-1, 6-4.

After just one hour and 36 minutes, Carlos Alcaraz secured the victory and advanced to the semifinals. He will face Lorenzo Musetti, who defeated American Frances Tiafoe, 27, ranked 16th, 6-2, 4-6, 7-5, 6-2.

Carlos Alcaraz is 1.83m tall (Credit: Imago)

What Carlos Alcaraz said

He said, "I could have closed my eyes and everything would have gone in. I felt amazing. I wasn't thinking about anything else but hitting at 100%. It's one of those matches where everything clicks. I was playing a quarterfinal at Roland Garros, and it's never easy in these kinds of matches. I've played Tommy many times. He's beaten me twice before.

He added, "It wasn't easy, but I tried to focus on what I had to do. I didn't want to let him back into the match. He's an exceptional player. I'd say this is a special tournament for me. Every time I come here, it's a special feeling. I want to go as far as possible and feel the energy of the fans. I'm in the semifinals for the third time in a row, and I'm trying to enjoy the moment and keep fighting.

"I always love playing here. I know you wanted to see more tennis, but I had to do my job. It's amazing to be able to play in front of you all. All I can say is thank you for coming and supporting me," he concluded.