Carlos Alcaraz proclaimed his feelings on court as “unbelievable” after finding his best level to convincingly defeat Tommy Paul 6-0, 6-1, 6-4 and secure his third consecutive French Open semi-final appearance. The defending champion delivered a masterful display of varied shotmaking and control.
Alcaraz’s journey to the quarter-finals had been less straightforward, with moments of wavering patience and dropped sets. However, against Paul, he exhibited a stark improvement, describing a state where he “could close my eyes and everything went in,” demonstrating a renewed confidence and precision.
Paul, an accomplished athlete and known challenge for Alcaraz, looked fatigued from earlier in the tournament, having battled through consecutive five-set matches with an abdominal issue. Even at full health, however, he would have faced an uphill battle against an Alcaraz performing at such an exceptional standard.
