Alcaraz, Swiatek, And Sabalenka Are Chasing A Spot In The French Open Semi-Finals

Women’s title rivals Iga Swiatek and Aryna Sabalenka aim to set up a thrilling matchup in the French Open quarterfinals on Tuesday, June 3, 2025, and Carlos Alcaraz anticipates a fierce challenge from Tommy Paul.

Alcaraz, the defending men’s champion, is making his fourth consecutive appearance in the Roland Garros final eight and aspires to be the third man to accomplish this feat this century, following Rafael Nadal and Gustavo Kuerten.

After defeating Ben Shelton in four sets in the round of 16, Alcaraz, who has lost a set in the last three rounds, remarked, “I mentally battled against myself”.

Alcaraz defeated Paul, the 12th-seeded American, in the Paris Olympics quarterfinals his route to winning a silver medal in August. The 22-year-old Spaniard has a 4-2 career record against Paul.

Alcaraz remarked, “I recall that he was really tough in every match that I played against him”.

At the moment, he is at an extremely high level. He is really self-assured.

“Every time we play against one another, we also raise our level to the highest level, so it’s going to be a thrilling match to watch”.

The victor of Tuesday’s (June 2, 2025) second men’s quarterfinal between Frances Tiafoe and the highly successful Italian Lorenzo Musetti would face Alcaraz if he defeats Paul.

Musetti has advanced to at least the final four in each of the three main warm-up competitions leading up to the French Open, making him one of the best clay-court players this season.

Musetti and Tiafoe, the 15th seed from the United States, are both making their debut appearances at this point at Roland Garros.

Two-time U.S. Open semifinalist Tiafoe has not lost a set in Paris and is sure he can advance even farther.

“The sky is the limit for me when I’m playing well, present, and enjoying myself”.

Sabalenka, Swiatek Are Headed For A Collision

After a protracted trophy drought, Swiatek’s chances of winning a fifth French Open in six years were seriously doubtful going into her favorite tournament.

The 24-year-old Pole hasn’t taken home a championship since winning the Coupe Suzanne Lenglen for the third time in a row a year ago.

Before Swiatek survived difficulties to secure a quarterfinal matchup with Elina Svitolina, She was tested by Elena Rybakina, who had a set and a break lead.

“It really means a lot to me. I think I needed this kind of victory to truly experience these emotions, knowing I can win when the pressure’s on”, Swiatek mentioned after scoring her 25th consecutive win at the French Open.

“I think it’s a fantastic confirmation. Indeed,that is exactly the kind of match I desired”.

Svitolina, a 13th seed from Ukraine, saved three set points to advance to her eighth Roland Garros quarterfinal after pulling off an even more incredible comeback against 2024 runner-up Jasmine Paolini.

“I have loved playing here in France for so many years and I still love it”, Svitolina remarked.

“The support is outstanding. They encourage me to perform better; it’s a wonderful feeling to have the support of the audience”.

After recently losing to the Chinese sensation in Rome,world number one Aryna Sabalenka is seeking revenge on Olympic winner Zheng Qinwen.

In the 2024 Australian Open final, Zheng defeated Sabalenka for the first time in seven tries.she will strive to do it again against the player she lost to.

“I’m really thrilled to play her in the quarterfinals, and I want to exact my revenge. I expect a great battle”. “Yes, I would like to win this after Rome”, Sabalenka stated.

Madrid champion Sabalenka believes she is prepared to make a deep run in Paris, where her top achievement was reaching the semi-finals two years back.

“I believe I have made significant progress in my game over the past year, and I don’t think I’ll be unable to play on clay at the French Open, so perhaps I’m more confident this year”.