Alcaraz, Swiatek, Sabalenka target semis

Paris

Carlos Alcaraz, Iga Swiatek, and Aryna Sabalenka are eyeing semi-final berths at the 2025 French Open as the quarter-finals begin in Paris. Reigning men’s champion Carlos Alcaraz, through to his fourth consecutive Roland Garros quarter-final, faces a challenging test from American 12th seed Tommy Paul. Alcaraz, 22, has dropped a set in each of his past three matches and admitted struggling mentally during his four-set win over Ben Shelton in the last 16. He holds a 4-2 head-to-head record against Paul, including a win in the Paris Olympics quarter-final last year.

The winner of Alcaraz vs Paul will meet either Italy’s Lorenzo Musetti or Frances Tiafoe. Musetti has been in top clay-court form this season, while Tiafoe, the U.S. 15th seed, is yet to drop a set in Paris. In the women’s draw, world No. 1 Iga Swiatek rallied from a set and break down to beat Elena Rybakina, earning her 25th straight French Open win. She faces Ukraine’s Elina Svitolina, who staged a stunning comeback to defeat Jasmine Paolini and reach her fifth quarter-final at Roland Garros.

Meanwhile, Sabalenka seeks revenge against Olympic champion Zheng Qinwen, who beat her in Rome. Sabalenka, confident in her clay-court improvements, hopes to go beyond her 2023 semi-final finish. A victory could set up a blockbuster semi-final with Swiatek. With high-stakes encounters and title hopes on the line, the French Open quarter-finals promise thrilling action as tennis’ top stars inch closer to glory at Roland Garros.