French Open: Alcaraz Faces Paul In Quarter-Final, Swiatek-Sabalenka Eye Semis

Last Updated:June 03, 2025, 07:37 IST

Carlos Alcaraz faces Tommy Paul test in the French Open quarter-finals as Iga Swiatek and Aryna Sabalenka could meet in the semis.

Carlos Alcaraz at the French Open (AP)

Carlos Alcaraz faces a challenging quarter-final match against Tommy Paul at the French Open on Tuesday. Meanwhile, Iga Swiatek and Aryna Sabalenka are on course for a potential high-stakes semi-final encounter in the women’s draw.

Defending men’s champion Alcaraz has reached the last eight at Roland Garros for the fourth consecutive year. He is aiming to join Gustavo Kuerten and Rafael Nadal as the third man this century to retain the title. Having dropped a set in each of his last three rounds, Alcaraz commented after a tough four-set victory over Ben Shelton in the fourth round, “I fought against myself in the mind."

The 22-year-old Spaniard holds a 4-2 career advantage over the 12th-seeded American, Paul, whom he defeated in the quarter-finals of the Paris Olympics en route to a silver medal last August. “Every match against him is really tough," Alcaraz stated. “His level is really high right now, and he has a lot of confidence. It’s going to be an interesting match because we both elevate our game when facing each other."

Should Alcaraz prevail against Paul, he will meet the winner of the other men’s quarter-final between Lorenzo Musetti and Frances Tiafoe. Musetti has displayed excellent form on clay this season, reaching at least the semi-finals in all three major warm-up tournaments leading to the French Open. Both Musetti and the 15th-seeded American, Tiafoe, are making their first quarter-final appearances at Roland Garros. Tiafoe, a two-time US Open semi-finalist, is yet to drop a set in Paris and expressed optimism about his prospects: “When I’m playing well, I think the sky’s the limit for me."

In the women’s draw, Swiatek arrived at her favoured tournament with uncertainties about securing her fifth French Open title in six years, following a prolonged period without a trophy. The 24-year-old Pole has not won a title since her third consecutive Coupe Suzanne Lenglen triumph 12 months ago. She overcame a stern test from Elena Rybakina, who held a set and a break lead before Swiatek rallied to secure a quarter-final berth against Elina Svitolina. “It means a lot to win under pressure," Swiatek remarked after her 25th consecutive French Open victory. “It’s a great confirmation for me, and I needed a match like that."

Ukrainian 13th seed Svitolina produced an impressive comeback against 2022 runner-up Jasmine Paolini, saving three match points to reach her fifth Roland Garros quarter-final. The 30-year-old has never progressed to the semi-finals but hopes to emulate her husband Gael Monfils’ 2008 achievement. “I love playing in France, and the support is amazing," she said. “The crowd gives me extra energy."

World number one Aryna Sabalenka is seeking retribution against Olympic champion Zheng Qinwen, who recently defeated her in Rome. Zheng, who overcame Sabalenka for the first time in seven attempts, will aim to replicate that success in the quarter-finals. “I expect a great battle and want to get my revenge," Sabalenka commented. The Madrid champion believes she is prepared to win the title in Paris. “I’ve improved my game a lot over the past year, and I have more confidence on clay this year."

Victory over Zheng could set up a highly anticipated semi-final clash with Swiatek.

(With inputs from AFP)

Ritayan Basu

Ritayan Basu, Senior Sub-Editor, Sports at News18.com. Has been covering domestic and and international football for nearly a decade. Has played and covered badminton. Ocassionally writes on cricket, having cov...Read More

Ritayan Basu, Senior Sub-Editor, Sports at News18.com. Has been covering domestic and and international football for nearly a decade. Has played and covered badminton. Ocassionally writes on cricket, having cov...

Read More

Watch CNN-News18 here. News18 Sports brings you the latest updates, live commentary, and highlights from cricket, football, tennis, badmintion, wwe and more. Catch breaking news, live scores, and in-depth coverage. Also Download the News18 App to stay updated!

Location :

Paris, France

First Published:

News sports French Open: Alcaraz Faces Paul In Quarter-Final, Swiatek-Sabalenka Eye Semis