Defending champ Carlos Alcaraz came through a wildly entertaining 4th round clash with Ben Shelton, surviving a 3rd set scare to win 7-6, 6-3, 4-6, 6-4. It was a dynamic seesaw affair- the first set really could have gone either way.
2025 ATP Tour
Grand Slam Tennis
French Open
Stade Roland Garros, Paris, France (Outdoor Clay)
Selected Quarterfinals- 3rd June
Carlos Alcaraz (2) 0.08 vs Tommy Paul (12) 6.4
Alcaraz effectively redirected Shelton’s power, using his quick hands to brilliant effect around the net. Alcaraz also showed some commendable sportsmanship, calling a foul on himself for letting go of the racquet in what looked like a perfectly clean volley winner. In any event, Alcaraz hit 43 winners to 43 unforced errors in what was undoubtedly his best performance of the fortnight. His form wavered in the early stages (he dropped sets against Marozsan and Dzumhur). But the ultra-athletic Spaniard just has that inalienable ability to elevate his game when it matters. He has been the standout clay-court player this season by a mile, improving to 19-1 for the year with that victory over Shelton (he won titles in Monte-Carlo and Rome).
American ironman Tommy Paul will be delighted with the manner of his 4th round win over Aussie Alexei Popyrin. Paul survived two back-to-back five-set marathons in the 2nd and 3rd rounds (coming from two sets down in his 2nd round clash with Marton Fucsovics). Paul was in complete control during his 4th round clash with Popyrin, focusing on consistency while Popyrin sprayed errors everywhere. Paul ultimately won 6-3, 6-3, 6-3, hitting 27 winners and 22 unforced errors. He was typically resourceful around the net, winning 16 of 20 visits to the forecourt. Paul has been extremely consistent this season, reaching the quarters at the Aussie Open before reaching a further four semifinals. He has produced some stellar clay-court results, reaching the semifinals in Houston and Rome (where he nicked a set off Sinner). Paul is a versatile all-court player and it wasn’t surprising that he became the first American since Agassi in 2003 to reach the French Open quarters (Tiafoe joined a little later).
The Verdict: Alcaraz to win in straight sets at 0.65- Alcaraz leads the head-to-head 4-2, winning their most recent meeting at last year’s Olympics (on these courts). Paul gave Alcaraz a great match at last year’s Wimbledon Championships. He will look to match Alcaraz’s insane shot-making skills but should come up well short. Alcaraz’s supreme athleticism will expose Paul (especially when you consider those two five-set epics he has had to come through).
