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Carlos Alcaraz does not let up: total sweep over Tommy Paul and now awaits Musetti in semifinal
The Alcaraz gale continues to sweep in Paris. In just an hour and a half, the Murcian knocked out the American Tommy Paul with a resounding 6-0, 6-1 and 6-4 in the Roland Garros quarterfinals. It was a recital to remember: speed, aggressiveness, surgical precision and the feeling that the match was decided from the first exchange. The number three in the world played as if he had been given the pass to the final by decree, and now he already has Lorenzo Musetti, his opponent in the semifinals, in his sights.
Right from the start, Carlitos was on fire. His serve was devastating, his forehand lethal and his legs at full speed. The first set was a walk: Paul could not find a way to get into rhythm and could hardly smell the ball. The most remarkable thing about that start was the resigned face of the American, who seemed to be looking for answers in a language he did not master. The 6-0 was not only on the scoreboard, but also in sensations.
In the second set, Paul at least managed to score a game, but the script did not change. Alcaraz, without lifting his foot off the accelerator, again imposed his law. The intensity of the Murcian was simply unapproachable. Each long point ended with a shout of celebration from Carlitos and a sigh of despair from the American. In the stands, the silence was as eloquent as the applause that fell after each magical stroke of the Spaniard.
Down two sets, Paul tried to rebel. He managed to stretch the exchanges a bit more and hold his first serves, at least for a while. He even threatened to make Alcaraz work. But it was only a matter of time. The decisive break came in the ninth game and that was the end of it. The Spaniard closed with his serve in white, leaving no room for a miracle that never seemed close.
Alcaraz, who already won Roland Garros last year, is planted in the semifinals with overflowing confidence. What is most impressive is not only that he wins, but how he does it: without leaving doubts, without suffering, as if everything came naturally to him. His tennis seems to have one more gear than the rest, and when he gets into steamroller mode, few can keep up.
Now the challenge will be Lorenzo Musetti. The Italian comes from beating Tiafoe in four sets (6-2, 4-6, 7-5, 6-2) and has shown good sensations during the tournament, although the record against Carlitos does not play in his favor: only one victory in six meetings. The last one, in Rome, ended with a clear victory for the Spaniard in the semifinals. But if there is one thing Musetti has, it's talent and talent, and on clay he can complicate anyone.
The Philippe Chatrier will once again witness a clash between two young players with different styles but a common goal: to reach the final of the Parisian Grand Slam. Alcaraz is looking for a repeat appearance with the Musketeers' Cup, but he knows that every step requires total concentration.
Friday will be the seventh duel between the two. Will Alcaraz confirm his dominance or will Musetti's resurgence come? What is clear is that, if the player from Murcia plays at the level he showed against Paul, it will be very difficult to knock him off his throne.
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