Roland Garros 2024 Men’s Day 8

Carlos Alcaraz and Stefanos Tsitsipas lined up a high-profile Grand Slam showdown on Sunday as both booked spots in the quarter-finals of the French Open.

Ninth seed Tsitsipas, 2021 finalist in Paris, dodged a bullet from Matteo Arnaldi, turning the table in a tight match to earn a 3-6, 7-6 (4), 6-2, 6-2 win.

Alcaraz, who played the semi-finals a year ago, had an easier time as he swept Canadian Felix Auger-Aliassime 6-3, 6-3, 6-1.

Tsitsipas said that he had his doubts early in this fourth-round match with Italy’s Arnaldi, who upset sixth seed Andrey Rublev in the previous round.

After dropping the opening set, the Greek said he managed a quick reversal of form in order to survive into his fourth Paris quarter-final.

“This was one of my craziest comebacks,” he said. “The momentum seemed go be going his way for the entire match

“It was frustrating from my end. I was trying my best but nothing was working. But my spirit was the reason I could come back today.”

He added:  “Even down 5-3 in the second set (after losing the first), I felt I could turn the match around, there was the power within me.

“When I broke him for 4-5 it was one of the biggest pleasures I’ve felt in tennis.”

Tsitsipas could not convert a break point until his ninth attempt as Arnaldi began to fade slightly.

“But the winner said: “he was not backing down, this was one of my biggest fights.

“He pushed me to the limit, one of my strongest opponents on clay. I had to work double the amount I’m used to for the victory.”

Arnaldi was pleased with his showing.

“It’s tough to digest, because I was very close to going two sets to love up, and it’s completely different match after that.

“I played a good tournament, I’m happy for that. My level is increasing. That’s the most important thing.”

Alcaraz polished off FAA in less than two and a half hours and emerged pleased with his improving form.

“I’m happy with the performance today,” the current US Open holder said. “I played a high level of tennis, 

“I was happy with everything and pleased to get the win at the end.

Alcaraz levelled his career record with the Canadian at three wins each.

“I knew I would have chances to break his serve if I showed good intensity.

“I didn’t come to Paris with a lot of matches (due to an arm injury) but I’m feeling better and better after each practice and match.”

Alcaraz maintained a Spanish record in Paris, with an Iberian into the quarter-finals for the past 27 years.

The 20-year-old will be playing a last-eight match here for the third year in succession.