Alcaraz books Tsitsipas rematch as Swiatek races into French Open quarters
Carlos Alcaraz booked a quarterfinal rematch with Stefanos Tsitsipas at the French Open with a commanding 6-3, 6-3, 6-1 win over Canadian Felix Auger-Aliassime. Alcaraz, who had been sidelined by a forearm injury for almost a month before the tournament, showcased his return to top form with a stellar performance that included 34 winners. The victory marks his third consecutive year making it to the last eight at Roland Garros.
Feeling more like himself, Alcaraz expressed confidence in his game and his improving form, stating, "My game is getting better and better. My confidence is getting higher. Every day here in Roland Garros, I'm feeling better and better." This comes as a warning to his competitors, especially Tsitsipas, whom Alcaraz has beaten in all five of their previous encounters, including last year's French Open quarterfinals.
Tsitsipas, the 2021 French Open runner-up, advanced by overcoming Italy's Matteo Arnaldi 3-6, 7-6 (7/4), 6-2, 6-2. Reflecting on his match, Tsitsipas noted the turning point in the second set when he saved four set points, describing it as "one of the craziest comebacks I've had."
In the women’s draw, world number one Iga Swiatek delivered a stunning performance, defeating Russia's Anastasia Potapova 6-0, 6-0 in just 40 minutes. Swiatek, aiming for her third consecutive French Open title, dropped only 10 points in what was the shortest completed match of her career. She attributed her dominance to being "really focused and in the zone."
Swiatek will face Wimbledon champion Marketa Vondrousova in the quarterfinals after the fifth seed ousted Serbian qualifier Olga Danilovic in straight sets. Swiatek, who had a close call against Naomi Osaka earlier in the tournament, remains the favorite to lift the Coupe Suzanne Lenglen.
Meanwhile, US Open champion Coco Gauff eased past Elisabetta Cocciaretto 6-1, 6-2. Gauff, the third seed, will meet three-time Grand Slam finalist Ons Jabeur in the quarters. Jabeur, who defeated Denmark's Clara Tauson 6-4, 6-4, is seeking her first Grand Slam title after finishing as the runner-up at Wimbledon and the US Open last year.
Jabeur’s match against Tauson was marked by tight games, particularly a 26-point game in the first set which she managed to win. She eventually clinched the victory in just over an hour and a half. Anticipating a tough challenge, Jabeur looks to overcome Gauff to continue her quest for a major title.
As the French Open progresses, fans eagerly anticipate the high-stakes matches ahead, with Alcaraz and Swiatek both aiming to solidify their dominance on the clay courts of Roland Garros.
By: Sahiba Suri
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