Alcaraz dispatches Felix to reach QFs in Paris

Carlos Alcaraz wasted little time in reaching the quarter-finals at Roland Garros for the third consecutive year on Sunday, when he dispatched Canadian Felix Auger-Aliassime to gain parity in the pair’s Lexus ATP Head2Head series.

The Spaniard played front-foot tennis throughout the two-hour, 20-minute clash on Court Philippe-Chatrier to advance 6-3, 6-3, 6-1.

"I am really happy with my performance today," Alcaraz said. "I think I played a really high level of tennis. Really focused, no ups and downs in the match. That is something I am working on. I am really happy with everything, my serve, my movement, my shots. I know that Felix is a great player and playing great tennis. The Head2Head he was up and I was looking forward to being equal with him. I am really happy to get the win in the end."

Alcaraz was at his fluid best for large periods to earn his 22nd win of the season. The 21-year-old hit with clean timing from the baseline to pull around Auger-Aliassime, who struggled with a groin injury from midway through the second set.

Alcaraz found joy with his drop shot and struck a number of stunning passes to bring the crowd to their feet. He controlled the tempo of the match and notched 33 winners according to Infosys Stats to improve to 3-3 in his Lexus ATP Head2Head series with Auger-Aliassime.

"I think I had to put as many returns in as I could and getting in the rallies," Alcaraz said. "I feel strong in the rallies, playing five, six, seven shots in every point. I was going to have my chances to break his serve and to be with a good intensity in the match and I think that helped me get a good rhythm, to get my good tennis and to beat him."

Into his eighth major quarter-final, Alcaraz will next play Stefanos Tsitsipas after the 2021 finalist beat Italian Matteo Arnaldi in four sets. Alcaraz defeated Tsitsipas in straight sets at the same stage in Paris last year.

"I am really looking forward to playing this match," Alcaraz said on facing Tsitsipas. "I love this kind of challenge, these matches. I have seen a lot of matches lately from Stefanos and I know he is playing great and has a lot of confidence right now. But I think I have the key against him so will try to put the shots that put him in trouble. I will try to show my best."

Alcaraz is seeking his third major title after winning the US Open in 2022 and Wimbledon in 2023. Earlier this season, the Spaniard lifted his fifth ATP Masters 1000 trophy at Indian Wells. He missed the Masters 1000 event in Rome in the leadup to Roland Garros due to a right arm injury but has looked comfortable through his opening four matches in the French capital, dropping just one set.

Make that 3️⃣@carlosalcaraz reaches the quarter-finals in Paris for the third consecutive year after defeating Auger-Aliassime in straight sets!@rolandgarros | #RolandGarros pic.twitter.com/cpMEVyWj6r

— ATP Tour (@atptour) June 2, 2024

World No. 21 Auger-Aliassime was competing in the fourth round at Roland Garros for the second time, having defeated 15th seed Ben Shelton in straight sets in the third round. The 23-year-old, who struggled with his movement against Alcaraz, is 12-5 on clay this season, highlighted by his run to the final in Madrid in April.

Did You Know?
Alcaraz has won his past 36 matches at majors against players outside the Top 20 in the PIF ATP Rankings.