Alcaraz Sets Up Clash with Lorenzo Musetti in Semifinals

PARIS: Carlos Alcaraz, the reigning champion, secured his place in the French Open semi-final by defeating Tommy Paul in straight sets — 6-0, 6-1, 6-4 — at Philippe-Chatrier on Tuesday.

Alcaraz has advanced to the Roland Garros semi-finals for the third time in a row, overcoming Paul, who was visibly hampered by a heavily bandaged thigh due to an injury.

Paul, who had been dealing with leg and abdominal muscle issues throughout the competition, confessed that his movement was significantly impaired during the match.

“I’ve definitely felt better,” Paul acknowledged. “Going into the match, my mindset was to win. However, it became apparent early on that I wasn’t moving at my best.”

Alcaraz asserted dominance over Paul in the initial two sets. Although Paul presented a challenge in the third set, even leading 4-3, Alcaraz ultimately secured the final three games to clinch the victory.

Reflecting on his triumph, Alcaraz expressed his positive feelings during the match and his high level of self-assurance.

“Today was one of those exceptional days. I felt like every shot was destined to land perfectly, every shot was a potential winner. I played with immense confidence and without any apprehension,” Alcaraz stated.

In the next round, Alcaraz is slated to compete against Italy’s Lorenzo Musetti on Friday. Musetti earned his semi-final spot by defeating Frances Tiafoe 6-2, 4-6, 7-5, 6-2, marking his achievement of reaching the semi-final stage in four major clay-court tournaments within the same season.

Musetti has demonstrated outstanding performance, considering that prior to this season, he had only reached the final four in one major event, which was at Wimbledon the previous year.