Carlos Alcaraz apologises for sending French Open fans home early after ruthless win over Tommy Paul at Roland-Garros - 'I have to say sorry'

World No. 2 and reigning French Open champion Carlos Alcaraz apologised to the fans following his victory over Tommy Paul on Tuesday night - for wrapping up the match so soon. Alcaraz needed just 96 minutes to secure his place in the semi-final, where he will meet Lorenzo Musetti, with a fine display sending a message to his rivals at Roland-Garros. "I had to do my work!" laughed Alcaraz.

'One of those matches where everything went in' - Alcaraz delighted with flawless display

Video credit: TNT Sports

Carlos Alcaraz apologised to the fans at Roland-Garros after sending them home early, wrapping up a sublime straight-sets win over Tommy Paul in just 96 minutes.
The world No. 2 made light work of his American opponent, breezing through two sensational sets in just 53 minutes, before sealing victory after a more competitive third.
Alcaraz will meet world No. 8 Lorenzo Musetti in Friday’s semi-final as he looks to keep his title defence on track.
Speaking to Mats Wilander on Court Philippe-Chatrier, Alcaraz joked with his adoring fans: "It’s always fun playing here in Paris. I know you wanted to watch more tennis, I have to say sorry about it -  I had to do my work!"
Alcaraz had been beaten twice by Paul in the past – in Montreal in 2022 and Miami the following year – but lost just five games against the 12th seed as he switched into a higher gear on clay.
"I could close my eyes and everything went in," Alcaraz said.
picture

Highlights: Alcaraz breezes past Paul to make Roland-Garros semi-finals

Video credit: TNT Sports

"My feeling today was unbelievable. I was trying hit every shot at 100%. I was not thinking about anything else, just hitting forward and yeah, today was one of those matches that everything went in.
"I’m just pleased with everything. We are in a quarter-final of a Grand Slam at Roland-Garros and this kind of match is never easy.
"I played against Tommy many, many times and every match was really, really difficult. He has beat me twice, so that helped me at the beginning of the match just to focus on my tennis.
"I tried to step on the court and really focus on my things, trying not to go down or let him get into the match again. I was trying to be focused during the whole match."
The signs are looking good for Alcaraz - who did not have a break point to face during the contest - ahead of his last-four match with Musetti, who he has already beaten twice on clay this year.
"This tournament is so special to me. Every time that I come here, every year feels special," Alcaraz said of the French Open.
"Before the tournament began, I was thinking that I really want to go far in this tournament just to feel the energy from the people, so I’m really, really happy to be in the semi-final again.
"Third time in a row, so I just try to enjoy this moment and hopefully keep going."
picture

'It's genius!' - Alcaraz turns on the style with amazing drop shot against Paul

Video credit: TNT Sports

Alcaraz's win comes just 24 hours after Jannick Sinner cruised past Andrey Rublev, opening the path for the two rivals to meet in what would be a mouth-watering final between the world No. 1 and 2.
"That was absolutely incredible, and to see him do that the night after Jannik Sinner did what he did to Andrey Rublev - it's tennis at a different level," said Wilander.
"It's something that we've never seen before from any other player, the way that he plays."
Jim Courier added: "Alcaraz’s performance tonight, and Sinner's performance last night against Rublev, was not compromised at all.
"It was just outpowered, outplayed, and the theme that we're hearing from these players that are running up against Sinner and Alcaraz is you're playing guys with two forehands because their backhands are just almost as lethal as their forehand.
"It must be a scary proposition."
Stream the 2025 French Open live and on-demand on discovery+
Thoughts?
Share this article
Related Matches
Advertisement
Advertisement