French Open: Alcaraz, Swiatek and Sabalenka in semi-final hunt
Carlos Alcaraz expects a stiff challenge from Tommy Paul in the French Open quarter-finals on Tuesday (June 3, 2025), as women's title rivals Iga Swiatek and Aryna Sabalenka look to set up a blockbuster clash.
Reigning men's champion Alcaraz is through to the last eight at Roland Garros for the fourth year running and aims to become the third man this century to defend his title, after Gustavo Kuerten and Rafael Nadal.
Alcaraz has dropped a set in each of the past three rounds and said 'I fought against myself in the mind' after a tough four-set victory over Ben Shelton in the last 16.
The 22-year-old Spaniard holds a 4-2 career record against Paul, the U.S. 12th seed whom Alcaraz beat in the quarter-finals of the Paris Olympics on the way to a silver medal last August.
'I remember that every match that I've played against him he was really tough,' said Alcaraz.
'His level is really high right now. He has a lot of confidence.
'It's going to be a really interesting match to watch, because every time we play against each other, we rise our level to the top as well.'
If Alcaraz gets past Paul he will meet the winner of Tuesday's (June 2, 2025) other men's quarter-final between in-form Italian Lorenzo Musetti and Frances Tiafoe.
Musetti has been one of the form players on clay this season, reaching at least the last four in all three of the principal warm-up events ahead of the French Open.
Both Musetti and U.S. 15th seed Tiafoe are appearing at this stage of Roland Garros for the first time.
Tiafoe, twice a U.S. Open semi-finalist, has yet to drop a set in Paris and is confident he can go even further.
'When I'm playing well, I'm there and present and having fun, I think the sky's the limit for me.'
Swiatek, Sabalenka on collision course
Swiatek arrived at her favourite tournament with serious doubts over her ability to win a fifth French Open in six years after a lengthy trophy drought.
The 24-year-old Pole has not won a title since lifting the Coupe Suzanne Lenglen for a third successive edition 12 months ago.
She was put to the test by Elena Rybakina, who led by a set and a break before Swiatek escaped trouble to book a quarter-final with Elina Svitolina.
'It means a lot. I think I needed that kind of win to like feel these feelings that I'm able to win under pressure,' Swiatek said after reeling off her 25th win in a row at the French Open.
'It's a great confirmation for me. Yeah, I for sure wanted to have a match like that.'
Ukrainian 13th seed Svitolina pulled off an even more remarkable comeback against 2024 runner-up Jasmine Paolini, saving three match points to reach her fifth Roland Garros quarter-final.
The 30-year-old has never advanced to the last four but will hope to finally match husband Gael Monfils' run to the semi-finals in 2008.
That French connection also guarantees Svitolina has her fair share of supporters in Paris.
'For so many years I loved and still loving to play here in France,' she said.
'The support is amazing. They push me to play better... this is a great feeling to have when the crowd is giving you this extra energy.'
World number one Aryna Sabalenka is on a revenge mission against Olympic champion Zheng Qinwen after losing to the Chinese star in Rome recently.
Zheng beat Sabalenka for the first time in seven attempts and will try to repeat the trick against the player she lost to in the 2024 Australian Open final.
'I expect a great battle, and I'm super excited to face her in the quarter-finals, and I want to get my revenge. Yeah, I want to get this win after Rome,' said Sabalenka.
Madrid champion Sabalenka feels she is ready to go all the way in Paris, where her best performance was reaching the semi-finals two years ago.
'I think in the last year I improved a lot in my game, and I think now going to the French Open, I don't have those doubts that I cannot play on clay, so maybe I'm more confident this year.'
A win over Zheng could line up an eagerly anticipated last-four showdown with Swiatek.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Hindustan Times
an hour ago
- Hindustan Times
French Open: Novak Djokovic beats Alexander Zverev to set up a semifinal showdown with Jannik Sinner
PARIS — A crucial moment arrived more than 2 1/2 hours into Novak Djokovic's French Open quarterfinal victory over Alexander Zverev. It was the fourth set, and Djokovic led, but Zverev was in possession of a break point and a chance to get back into Wednesday's match. They engaged in a 41-stroke exchange, the longest of a buggy and breezy night, and Djokovic came out on top, smacking a forehand winner. He stayed in place afterward, breathing heavily, with hands on hips, scanning the standing ovation from thousands of Court Philippe-Chatrier spectators. Djokovic might be 38 now. He might have slogged through a pair of three-match losing skids this season and slid to No. 6 in the rankings. What hasn't changed is Djokovic's determination or his ability to be his best on big stages — and now he's two wins from a record 25th Grand Slam title. Djokovic proved too much for No. 3 seed Zverev, a man who's a decade younger and was last year's runner-up at Roland-Garros, winning 4-6, 6-3, 6-2, 6-4 to set up a semifinal showdown against No. 1 Jannik Sinner. Earlier Wednesday, Sinner continued his overpowering run through the bracket by dismissing Alexander Bublik 6-1, 7-5, 6-0. Sinner not only hasn't dropped a set so far, but he has ceded a total of only 36 games through five matches. So Friday will bring a tantalizing showdown between the player many consider the top player in tennis history, Djokovic, and the player who is at the top of the men's game at the moment, Sinner. Djokovic and Sinner are tied 4-4 in their head-to-head series, but Sinner has won the last three matchups. No one has spent more weeks at No. 1 in the rankings than Djokovic. No one has won more major championships or reached more major semifinals than his total that now stands at 51 after becoming the second-oldest man to get that far in Paris. Sinner, 23, is a three-time Grand Slam champion. That includes last year's U.S. Open and this year's Australian Open, so his unbeaten streak at majors is now at 19 matches. He's also won his last 26 sets at those events. 'He's playing fast. He's playing smart,' Bublik said. 'He's in another dimension with all the aspects of the game.' tennis: /hub/tennis
United News of India
2 hours ago
- United News of India
Boisson stuns Andreeva, barge into French Open semis
Paris, June 4 (UNI) French qualifier Lois Boisson continued her extraordinary run at Roland Garros on Wednesday, stunning sixth seed Mirra Andreeva in straight sets to storm into the French Open semifinals. Boisson, ranked world No 361 and making her maiden appearance in a Grand Slam main draw, defied all expectations with a 7-6(8), 6-4 victory over the Russian teenager on Court Philippe-Chatrier. With the win, Boisson becomes the lowest-ranked player to reach a Grand Slam semifinal in 40 years, sending the home fans into raptures as she celebrated an achievement few thought possible at the start of the tournament. The 20-year-old Frenchwoman had already made headlines with a three-set win over Jessica Pegula in the previous round, but showed even more composure and grit against Andreeva, saving two set points in a tense 80-minute opening set before clinching it in a tiebreak. Andreeva, known for her fiery temperament, was visibly rattled by the partisan fans and mounting pressure. She picked up a code violation for launching a ball into the stands in frustration and continued to argue calls with the umpire. Despite leading 3-0 early in the second set, the 18-year-old could not withstand the home favourite's resilience, as Boisson rallied to win six of the next seven games. Boisson will now face American star Coco Gauff in the semifinals, setting up a blockbuster clash between the surprise package of the tournament and a former finalist. As the Parisian faithful bask in the glory of a homegrown heroine's dream run, Boisson's improbable journey is fast becoming the story of the 2025 French Open. UNI BDN SS
Time of India
3 hours ago
- Time of India
Alexander Zverev set to face Novak Djokovic in Roland Garros quarterfinal clash
Zverev and Djokovic set for Roland Garros quarterfinal Alexander Zverev and Novak Djokovic will meet in the quarterfinals of Roland Garros, a rematch of their Australian Open semifinal earlier this year. Djokovic retired from that match due to a left leg injury, but he enters the Paris encounter without reported health concerns and has not dropped a set in the tournament. Zverev, ranked World No. 3 in the PIF ATP Rankings, has also shown consistent form, losing only one set en route to the final eight. Djokovic holds an 8-5 advantage in their Lexus ATP Head2Head series, including a 1-1 split on clay. The two have not faced each other on clay since the 2019 Roland Garros semifinals, when Djokovic won in straight sets. Also read: Novak Djokovic finds his rhythm in Geneva as French Open looms by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like 5 Books Warren Buffett Wants You to Read In 2025 Blinkist: Warren Buffett's Reading List Undo Both players have demonstrated adaptability across all surfaces, though Roland Garros has historically favored Djokovic, who is on a 21-match winning streak at the venue. Zverev, however, has reached the semifinals or better in Paris each of the past four years. Djokovic's consistency versus Zverev's momentum The 24-time Grand Slam winner continues to produce high-level results despite a slow start to the season. Djokovic reached the Miami Masters 1000 final and recently secured his 100th tour-level title in Geneva. Live Events At Roland Garros, Djokovic's tactical strength and ability to move opponents around the court remain key elements of his success. While Zverev's game relies on a powerful serve and solid backhand, the German may have an edge in endurance and rally length due to his youth. Zverev dismissed suggestions that Djokovic could be considered a dark horse in this tournament. He named Carlos Alcaraz as the primary favorite, followed by Jannik Sinner , himself, and Djokovic in contention. Sinner meets Bublik in opposite quarterfinal On the other side of the draw, Jannik Sinner will face Alexander Bublik in the Roland Garros quarterfinals. Sinner is aiming for his first French Open title and his third consecutive Grand Slam championship. He has won all four matches in Paris with dominant performances, though he now meets an unpredictable opponent in Bublik. Also read: French Open players often make schedule requests. No one wanted to miss the Champions League final Bublik, playing in his first Grand Slam quarterfinal, has already eliminated two Top 10 seeds, Alex de Minaur and Jack Draper. Known for his powerful and unconventional playing style, Bublik could pose a challenge to Sinner's rhythm and consistency. Sinner holds a 3-1 advantage in their Lexus ATP Head2Head series. This will mark their first meeting on clay, with previous contests split between hard and grass surfaces. Sinner's campaign in Paris reflects his growth across surfaces, as he continues to pursue a Grand Slam title beyond his favored hard courts.
