French Open: Alcaraz, Swiatek and Sabalenka in semi-final hunt

French Open quarter-finals feature Alcaraz vs. Paul, Swiatek vs. Sabalenka, with Alcaraz aiming to defend his title.

Carlos Alcaraz expects a stiff challenge from Tommy Paul in the French Open quarter-finals on Tuesday (June 3, 2025), as women’s title rivals Iga Swiatek and Aryna Sabalenka look to set up a blockbuster clash.

Reigning men’s champion Alcaraz is through to the last eight at Roland Garros for the fourth year running and aims to become the third man this century to defend his title, after Gustavo Kuerten and Rafael Nadal.

Alcaraz has dropped a set in each of the past three rounds and said “I fought against myself in the mind” after a tough four-set victory over Ben Shelton in the last 16.

The 22-year-old Spaniard holds a 4-2 career record against Paul, the U.S. 12th seed whom Alcaraz beat in the quarter-finals of the Paris Olympics on the way to a silver medal last August.

“I remember that every match that I’ve played against him he was really tough,” said Alcaraz.

“His level is really high right now. He has a lot of confidence.

“It’s going to be a really interesting match to watch, because every time we play against each other, we rise our level to the top as well.”