Paris, June 1 (UNI) American No.12 seed Tommy Paul became the first player to book a place in the quarterfinals of Roland-Garros 2025 with a commanding 6-3, 6-3, 6-3 victory over Australia's Alexei Popyrin.

The match lasted just under two hours on Court Suzanne-Lenglen, where Paul displayed composed aggression and consistency from the baseline. This is the 27-year-old’s best showing in seven attempts at the French Open.

The win is also a major moment for American tennis — Paul is the first American man to reach the French Open quarterfinals since Andre Agassi in 2003. Paul earlier reached the last eight at Wimbledon in 2024 and the Australian Open earlier this year.

Paul controlled the match from start to finish, hitting 26 winners and breaking Popyrin’s serve five times. The Australian, who had not dropped a set prior to this match, struggled to match Paul’s depth and foot speed throughout the contest.

The American has made steady progress in recent years, breaking into the top 15 in the world rankings. His coach, Brad Stine, has spoken of Paul’s hunger to achieve more, highlighting the potential for him to win a Masters 1000 title or even a Grand Slam.

Paul now awaits the winner of the high-profile clash between defending champion Carlos Alcaraz and No.13 seed Ben Shelton later tonight on Court Philippe-Chatrier.

A win in the next round would make Paul just the third American man in the past 20 years to reach a Grand Slam semifinal on clay, signalling a revival of American hopes at Roland-Garros. UNI BDN SSP