Reigning French Open champion Carlos Alcaraz showcased resilience and tactical brilliance Sunday, overcoming a fierce challenge from 13th-seeded Ben Shelton in a gripping 7-6(8), 6-3, 4-6, 6-4 victory. The three-hour, 10-minute duel on Court Philippe Chatrier saw both players trade thunderous serves and inventive drop shots, keeping spectators on edge as dusk settled over Paris.
A Clash of Titans on Clay
The 21-year-old Spaniard saved his most clinical tennis for crucial moments, edging Shelton in a first-set tiebreak that featured 10 combined set points. "Every point felt like a final game," Alcaraz remarked afterward, praising his opponent's "explosive power that forced me to play at 120%."
American Resurgence at Roland-Garros
While Alcaraz advances to face 12th-seeded Tommy Paul, the bigger story emerged off-court: For the first time since 1996, two American men – Paul and 15th-seeded Frances Tiafoe – reached the quarterfinals. Tiafoe's straight-sets win over Germany's Daniel Altmaier completed this historic breakthrough, ending a 21-year drought for U.S. men at this stage.
Musetti's Masterclass
Italy's Lorenzo Musetti continued his clay-court renaissance, defeating Holger Rune 7-5, 3-6, 6-3, 6-2. The world No. 7's victory sets up a quarterfinal showdown with Tiafoe, guaranteeing at least one first-time French Open semifinalist.
As night fell on Day 9, all eyes turned to Wednesday's quarterfinals – particularly Alcaraz's meeting with Paul, which promises baseline fireworks between two of the tour's most dynamic movers.
