Carlos Alcaraz defies Tommy Paul threat, keeps Olympic Games dream alive after Nadalcaraz loss

Tommy Paul has posed a very tough match to Carlos Alcaraz who, despite the blow of the elimination of the doubles with Rafael Nadal. He stood firm, knew how to suffer and eventually prevailed to get into the semifinals of the Olympic Games in Paris 2024.

In the first set Paul came out very aggressive from the start, but Alcaraz pulled magic with very strong shots to not let the more solid game of his opponent to hurt him and ended up winning 6-3.

Everything changed in the second set. Carlitos lowered the level and the American raised it even more. He came out of the start very strong and took a 3-0 lead. Without giving options to the rest, Tommy was 5-2 up: he had serve with 5-4 to win the match, but came the best Charlie of the tournament with a couple of incredible shots that made the duel was equalized and the set was decided in sudden death.

Thus, in the tie-break Paul started by reaching a drop shot from Carlos to take the first point. The Spaniard served very well and took a 2-1 lead. It was again the turn of the American's service, who won his first point, but could not with a forehand of the player from El Palmar to get the first mini-break.

It had cost Carlos a lot to get to that moment and it was going to continue costing him. Mini-break for the American after a sensational return. They changed sides under the intense heat of the Philippe Chatrier. The score was 3-3 and Carlitos had one serve left.

A good serve and a good forehand to put the man in red and yellow back in front. Then, Paul missed a drop shot and Carlitos was two points away from victory. The American let the American equalize with a great volley. 5-5 in the sudden death. Dominating with his right got his first match ball. However, he stayed in the net the rest and returned to change sides (6-6). With set point in favor of Tommy Paul Alcaraz was wise and raised the roof. The Murcian did not fail in his second match point and closed the match 6-3/7-6 (9-7).