Tommy Paul aims for a stunning victory over French Open favourite Carlos Alcaraz in Tuesday's quarter-final, eager to reach his second Grand Slam semi-final.
The world No. 12 became the second-oldest American men's player (28 years, eight days) to reach the last eight at Roland Garros since Frank Froehling (29 years, two days) in 1971 after defeating Alexei Popyrin in straight sets and hopes to surprise the Spanish star in their seventh ATP Tour matchup.
Match preview
© Imago
Before Paul stepped onto the courts on Sunday, he was one of three Americans participating in the last 16, and the 28-year-old ultimately progressed after a 6-3, 6-3, 6-3 victory on Court Suzanne-Lenglen.
The match lasted one hour and 51 minutes, showcasing the world No. 12's dominance over the Australian, whom he broke on five of six opportunities, losing his serve just once.
Paul's triumph takes him into the French Open last eight for the first time in his seventh attempt, an undeniable achievement for the four-time ATP champion who had faced first, second and third round exits prior to this year's event.
Having entered this year's tournament with a 5-6 record in the French capital, Paul has now improved to 9-6 at Roland Garros heading into his first quarter-final at the event.
The American player, whose only Grand Slam semi-final appearance came in Australia two years ago, now aims to surprise the top player for another chance at potentially advancing to a title match.
© Iconsport
Alcaraz was expected to defeat Ben Shelton in four sets before taking to the court on Sunday, and the defending champion was successful, overcoming the lively United States player 7-6(8), 6-3, 4-6, 6-4 in three hours and 19 minutes.
Both players showcased high-level tennis in the last 16, with the American youngster hitting 32 winners, 11 fewer than the second seed, who totalled 43.
The result of Sunday's hard-fought victory means that the 22-year-old has progressed to a fourth consecutive Roland Garros quarter-final, marking his 22nd win in the French capital.
Fresh from his 100th victory on clay in his 119th match, Alcaraz reaching a century of triumphs on the surface quicker than anyone else in the Open Era except Rafael Nadal (100 wins, 112 matches) underlines the world No. 2's impressive skill on the courts.
After defeating Shelton, the No. 2 seed secured his 75th victory over a top-20 player and aims to record a 76th win in his 110th match against such opponents.
Tournament so far
Tommy Paul:
First round: vs. Elmer Moller 6-7[5] 6-2 6-3 6-1
Second round: vs. Marton Fucsovics 4-6 2-6 6-3 7-5 6-4
Third round: vs. Karen Khachanov 6-3 3-6 7-6[7] 3-6 6-3
Round of 16: vs. Alexei Popyrin 6-3 6-3 6-3
Carlos Alcaraz:
First round: vs. Giulio Zeppieri 6-3 6-4 6-2
Second round: vs. Fabian Marozsan 6-1 4-6 6-1 6-2
Third round: vs. Damir Dzumhur 6-1 6-3 4-6 6-4
Round of 16: vs. Ben Shelton 7-6(8) 6-3 4-6 6-4
Head To Head
Canadian Open (2022) - Round of 32: Paul 6-7(4) 7-6(7) 6-3
Miami Masters (2023) - Round of 16: Alcaraz 6-4 6-4
Canadian Open (2023) - Quarter-final: Paul 6-3 4-6 6-3
Cincinnati Open (2023) - Round of 16: Alcaraz 7-6(6) 6-7(0) 6-3
Wimbledon (2024) - Quarter-final: Alcaraz 5-7 6-4 6-2 6-2
Paris Olympics (2024) - Quarter-final: Alcaraz 6-3 7-6(7)
Paul seeks to end a three-match losing streak against Alcaraz, having lost to him four times.
The Spaniard, who leads 4-2 in their head-to-head, has never been defeated by the American outside of North America, with the 28-year-old's victories occurring at the Canadian Open in 2022 and 2023.
The second seed won in two close sets in the pair's only encounter on clay at last year's Paris Olympics and aims for consecutive victories on the surface against the world No. 12.
We say: Alcaraz to win in four sets
While it almost seems inconceivable for Paul to upset Alcaraz, the American is expected to claim a set against the French Open favourite.
Regardless, the defending champion should secure victory in four sets and progress to another Roland Garros semi-final.
