Carlos Alcaraz proved why he’s tennis’ 🎾 rising star Sunday, surviving a grueling four-set clash against Ben Shelton to reach the French Open quarterfinals. The 21-year-old Spaniard fought through tiebreaks, thunderous serves, and a late comeback attempt to secure a 7-6(8), 6-3, 4-6, 6-4 victory on Paris’ iconic clay. 🌟
"We entertained the people well," Alcaraz said post-match, praising Shelton’s explosive power. The first set alone was a nail-biter 🤯, with both players trading jaw-dropping shots until Alcaraz clinched the tiebreak 10-8. Shelton, 21, briefly revived hopes by snatching the third set, but Alcaraz’s relentless drop shots and precision sealed the deal under the fading light.
Meanwhile, Team USA scored a historic win 🏆: Tommy Paul and Frances Tiafoe both advanced, marking the first time since 1996 that two American men reached the Roland-Garros quarterfinals. Paul will face Alcaraz next, while Tiafoe takes on Italy’s Lorenzo Musetti, who stunned Holger Rune in a crafty four-set showdown.
With Gen Z stars like Alcaraz and Shelton rewriting the playbook, this year’s French Open is serving up 🔥 next-level drama. Who’s ready for the quarterfinals? 💪
