Defending champion Carlos Alcaraz overcame a battle “in the mind” to reach the French Open quarter-finals after an entertaining four-set win over American Ben Shelton.
The 22-year-old Spaniard produced his best performance of the tournament so far to claim a 7-6 (10-8) 6-3 4-6 6-4 victory on Court Philippe Chatrier.
After three hours and 19 minutes of high-class action, a thumping forehand down the line sealed Alcaraz’s 100th clay-court win on the ATP Tour.
“Honestly, today I fought against myself in the mind,” he said. “I just tried to calm myself – in some moments I was mad.
“I was angry with myself, talking not good things. I’m happy that I didn’t let that thought play against me.
“I tried to calm myself and tried to keep going.”
The second seed will face another American, Tommy Paul, in the last eight after the 12th seed beat Australia’s Alexei Popyrin 6-3 6-3 6-3.
“Every time we face each other I said we brought the level to the top,” added Alcaraz.
“We entertained the people. He is a really powerful player. He can make any shots.
“I think we played really great tennis. Drops, coming to the net, big shots, and we stayed there the whole match.
“For me, it is great having Ben around, a great energy for tennis and for the people. I love watching him play.”
