Reigning champion Carlos Alcaraz overcame a fierce challenge from 13th seed Ben Shelton to advance to the quarterfinals of the French Open on Sunday. The 22-year-old Spaniard secured a hard-fought 7-6(8), 6-3, 4-6, 6-4 victory in over three hours of intense tennis on Court Philippe Chatrier.
“I think we both have huge respect for each other; we entertained the people well,” Alcaraz said after the match. “He’s a really powerful player; he can make any shot. I appreciate the moment that I’ve shared with him today.”
The match was a showcase of blistering serves, powerful groundstrokes, and delicate drop shots. The first set was a nail-biter, culminating in a tense tiebreak where both players had opportunities to seize the lead. Alcaraz eventually edged ahead, setting the tone for the rest of the match.
In the second set, Alcaraz managed to break Shelton’s formidable serve, giving him a two-set advantage. However, Shelton didn’t back down, rallying in the third set to break Alcaraz twice and claim the set. The momentum shifted again in the fourth, as Alcaraz regained control and sealed the match as dusk settled over the stadium.
Awaiting Alcaraz in the quarterfinals is another American, 12th seed Tommy Paul, who defeated Australia’s Alexei Popyrin in straight sets earlier in the day.
Meanwhile, Italy’s Lorenzo Musetti continued his impressive clay-court season with a 7-5, 3-6, 6-3, 6-2 win over Denmark’s Holger Rune. Musetti, currently ranked seventh in the world, reaches the quarterfinals at Roland-Garros for the first time and is set to face American 15th seed Frances Tiafoe for a spot in the semifinals.
Tiafoe also made history, advancing to the French Open quarterfinals for the first time with a 6-3, 6-4, 7-6(4) victory over Germany’s Daniel Altmaier. With both Paul and Tiafoe in the last eight, it’s the first time since 1996 that the United States has had more than one man in the quarterfinals in Paris.
The excitement continues as the tournament progresses, with fans eagerly anticipating the upcoming clashes between these rising stars.
