Gauff storms into French Open last 8

Alcaraz cracks it as Swiatek storms back

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Second seed Coco Gauff brushed aside Russian Ekaterina Alexandrova 6-0, 7-5 yesterday to move into the French Open quarter-finals and stay on course for her first title in Paris.

The American world No.2 must have thought she would have an easy morning session after powering through the first set in sensational fashion but the Russian bounced back in the second to test her opponent.

“The whole match I played well. She stepped up her game in the second set. Overall I thought I played great,” Gauff said.

“I move well on clay, really comfortable with sliding and moving on the surface. The most physical surface for sure and I do well in that department.”

Earlier on Sunday, Carlos Alcaraz fought past American Ben Shelton in a tight four-set match to reach the French Open quarter-finals on Sunday, while Iga Swiatek staged a comeback to defeat Elena Rybakina and keep her bid for a fourth straight title alive.

Reigning champion Alcaraz clinched a 7-6 (10/8), 6-3, 4-6, 6-4 victory after three hours and 19 minutes on Court Philippe Chatrier to book a last-eight berth for a fourth straight year.

Alcaraz will take on Tommy Paul in the quarter-finals, after the 12th seed saw off Australia's Alexei Popyrin 6-3, 6-3, 6-3.

“Today I fought against myself in the mind,” he said.