Tiafoe, Paul Lead American Resurgence at the French Open
Two U.S. men reach Roland-Garros quarterfinals for the first time in nearly 30 years
For the first time since 1996, two American men — Frances Tiafoe and Tommy Paul — have advanced to the quarterfinals of the French Open. Back then, it was Jim Courier and Pete Sampras making the run. Not since Andre Agassi in 2003 had any U.S. man reached this stage in Paris.
Tiafoe Turns the Tables on Clay
Before the tournament began, Tiafoe didn’t exactly hide his lack of excitement for clay. “Last tournament on clay, which I get really excited about,” he joked sarcastically. “Then we get to the real stuff — grass and summer hard courts — where tennis actually matters.”
But now, he’s seeing the red clay in a new light.
The 15th-seeded American defeated Germany’s Daniel Altmaier 6-3, 6-4, 7-6 (4) on Sunday night to reach his first quarterfinal at Roland-Garros — without losing a single set along the way. He celebrated with an enthusiastic (and unprintable) yell that summed up his excitement.
“Playing hard-court tennis on a clay court,” Tiafoe quipped.
It’s a breakthrough moment for the 27-year-old Maryland native, whose past French Open record included six first-round exits before his first win in 2022.
“I tend to get more passive on clay because the court doesn’t help me play as fast as I’d like,” he said. “Patience is something I’ve always struggled with.”
Confidence Shifting Fast
Just over a week ago, Tiafoe had shared his belief in how quickly things can turn in tennis: “I’m a big believer it can all change in a week. When I’m backed into a corner, that’s when I start playing my best — because I have to.”
Tiafoe believes he can beat anyone when he’s in form and isn’t just aiming for the quarterfinals. “This isn’t the end-all, be-all,” he added. “I can go on a run.”
His next challenge is a showdown on Tuesday with Italy’s Lorenzo Musetti, the No. 8 seed who beat No. 10 Holger Rune and previously reached a Grand Slam semifinal at Wimbledon.
American Women Still in the Hunt
Four American women are also vying for quarterfinal spots on Monday: No. 2 Coco Gauff, No. 3 Jessica Pegula, and No. 7 Madison Keys — who will face fellow American Hailey Baptiste in an all-U.S. battle.
Paul Rolls Into the Final Eight
Tommy Paul, seeded 12th, looked dominant in his win over Australia’s Alexei Popyrin, cruising 6-3, 6-3, 6-3 in less than two hours. The North Carolina native, who made the Australian Open semifinals in 2023, now faces defending champion Carlos Alcaraz, the No. 2 seed. Alcaraz eliminated Ben Shelton of the U.S. 7-6 (8), 6-3, 4-6, 6-4.
“Obviously,” Paul said of his next opponent, “the guy can play amazing tennis here.”
