The defending champion sent out a message that resounded around Court Philippe-Chatrier on his way to the semifinals.

Carlos Alcaraz did not give Tommy Paul room to breathe as he cruised to victory at the French Open quarterfinals on Tuesday. The Spanish star dominated Paul, 6-0, 6-1, 6-5, to advance to the semifinals on Friday.

No. 2 seed Alcaraz returned to the semifinals at Roland-Garros for the third consecutive year with a 6-0, 6-1, 6-4 victory over No. 12 Paul, who had his right thigh heavily taped and was unable to run, serve or hit groundstrokes at full force.