Paris Olympics, tennis: Carlos Alcaraz reaches men's singles semi-finals
Spanish ace Carlos Alcaraz reached the 2024 Paris Olympics men's singles semi-finals after beating Tommy Paul. Alcaraz claimed another straight-set victory - 6-3, 7-6(7) - over the American player after nearly two hours at Court Philippe-Chatrier (Roland Garros). The Spaniard was 1-4 down in the second, succumbing to Paul's incredible volleys and smashes. However, Alcaraz bounced back to enforce and win the tie-break.
A look at match stats
Alcaraz won a total of 76 points and 29 service winners throughout the match. He served six aces compared to Paul's two. The former won three backhand and 13 forehand winners. He won 23 of his 68 receiving points and converted four of his eight break points. Alcaraz (23) had more unforced errors than Paul (18). The former recorded two double-faults.
Alcaraz's journey at Paris Games
Alcaraz made a stunning start to his 2024 Paris Olympics men's singles campaign. He beat Lebanon's Hady Habib 6-3, 6-1 in the first round. The 21-year-old sensation then overcame Tallon Griekspoor of Netherlands in the second round. He won in straight sets (6-1, 7-6). Alcaraz, who beat Roman Safiullin thereafter, is chasing his maiden Olympic medal.
Two Grand Slam titles in 2024
Alcaraz's stature continues to grow with each passing match. Earlier, the Spaniard clinched two back-to-back Grand Slam titles by winning Wimbledon and the French Open. He became the youngest man in the Open Era to win the French Open and Wimbledon in a calendar year. He owns a 37-6 singles win-loss record on the ATP Tour this season.
Alcaraz joins the record books
As per Opta, Alcaraz is the fourth-youngest player to reach the men's singles semi-finals at the Olympics since tennis returned to the Olympic program in 1988 (21 years and 83 days). Former legend Roger Federer holds the record (19y 41d) in Sydney 2000.
