French Open: Musetti beats Tiafoe; Swiatek sets up Sabalenka semi – as it happened | French Open 2025

Tim Henman, who was disqualified himself at Wimbledon in 1995 when he hit a ball girl in the face, is discussing a moment during the match when Musetti kicked the ball and it flew at the line judge. Musetti would have been very unlucky to have been defaulted, it wasn’t intentional, but by the letter of the law he could have been. Instead he’s through to the semi-finals, where he’ll face the winner of tonight’s match between Carlos Alcaraz and Tommy Paul. That’s it from me for today, but do join Bryan later for coverage of that match. Abientot!

A classy interview from a classy competitor, who had just a bit too much clay-court craft, along with confidence in the crucial moments, to see off Tiafoe. Sinner may be the most famous Italian of them all, but Musetti is making quite a name for himself. And he joins select company in making the semi-finals or better at all three Masters events on clay and the French Open in the same season.

“Today it was really complicated to play well,” admits Musetti. “It was so windy. It was really tough but I found the extra energy to win the third set and the last set was the best.” He talks about becoming a father last year – “I think that gave me an extra responsibility. Now I approach things in a more professional way, not just on the court, but the daily routine” – before dedicating the win to his son and wife, who’s pregnant with their second child.

Finally, he’s asked about being such an elegant player. “We’re Italian, we’re all elegant,” he smiles. “I have a bit of a retro style, there aren’t so many players unfortunately who play a one-handed backhand. When I first got my tennis racket, for me it was natural to play a one-handed backhand and my coach didn’t change it. For me it was the key to my success.”

Gasps as Tiafoe’s shot clips the net and flies long. 0-30. A weak forehand sails in the tramlines and it’s 0-40, three match points. Big T hammers down a smash on the first. And an unreturned serve out wide on the second. But no! The umpire is out of his chair again and says Musetti’s return was in! They’ll replay the point. So it’s 15-40 again. And Tiafoe swats away a winner! But he can’t do a three-peat as he overcooks his forehand! Poor Tiafoe even trips over the television wire on his way back to his chair. Musetti is into his first Roland Garros semi-final, matching his run to the Wimbledon last four last year.

Fourth set: Musetti 6-2, 4-6, 7-5, 5-2 Tiafoe* (*denotes next server)

A long discussion between the umpire and Tiafoe about a disputed line call on the opening point. The umpire prevails, of course. It’s another battle that Tiafoe seemingly can’t win today. And the American is staring down the barrel when Musetti holds to love.

Fourth set: Musetti* 6-2, 4-6, 7-5, 4-2 Tiafoe (*denotes next server)

A forehand cross-court exchange ends when Tiafoe dispatches one of his best drop shots – and there have been approximately 589 drops from his racket already today. 15-0 turns into 40-15, and he goes on to secure a crucial hold to 30.

Fourth set: Musetti 6-2, 4-6, 7-5, 4-1 Tiafoe* (*denotes next server)

Tiafoe shows resolve to hold from 30-all. It’s still only one break, he’ll be telling himself. But Musetti is serving with new balls, as if he needs an extra assistance right now. And two quick strikes make it 30-0. His first-serve percentage is up at 92% for this set. At 40-0 Tiafoe goes a bit sweary, but he just looks subdued when Musetti nails a backhand winner down the line.

Fourth set: Musetti 6-2, 4-6, 7-5, 3-0 Tiafoe* (*denotes next server)

The court is shrinking now for an increasingly error-strewn Tiafoe. 15-0, 30-0, 40-0, game Musetti. After moving along in that third set without ever really getting out of third gear, except for at the end, Musetti has decided to press the accelerator. He wants to get this finished.

Fourth set: Musetti* 6-2, 4-6, 7-5, 2-0 Tiafoe (*denotes next server)

A lovely pick-up from Musetti at the net and he holds at the start of the fourth. How will Tiafoe respond? He needs to keep his focus here, despite the disappointment of losing that third set having been the more assured player for much of it. Tiafoe tries to catch his breath under his towel after falling 0-15 down. It doesn’t work; it’s soon 0-30. And 0-40, after a loose forehand. A drop shot saves the first break point; he’s trying to drop shot Musetti to distraction here. But it’s not working. Another drop shot on the second break point and Musetti sprints forward and his angled backhand is too good! Musetti has the early break.

Musetti, galvanised by his effort in the previous game, moves to 0-30. Tiafoe is teetering here. And Musetti has two set points at 15-40; his first chances to break this set. Tiafoe misses another first serve, makes his second … and Musetti is pushed deep to his right corner before being dragged forward to his left … and the Italian gets to the drop shot in time and threads a winner down the line! He’s a set away from his first Roland Garros semi-final.

Third set: Musetti 6-2, 4-6, 6-5 Tiafoe* (*denotes next server)

Tiafoe takes on the Musetti second serve before calmly dispatching the volley. 15-30. But Musetti emphatically dismisses any sense of danger with an inside-out forehand winner and a wonderful smash while seemingly off-balance and stretching back! Bravo Lorenzo. That wasn’t at all easy to pull off. 40-30. Game.

Third set: Musetti* 6-2, 4-6, 5-5 Tiafoe (*denotes next server)

Tiafoe, having looked so serene on serve in this set, doesn’t change the script here, even though he’s serving to stay in it. Another quicker than quick hold and they’re locked at one set all, five games all. I really can’t call this set; Musetti is the more accomplished clay courter but Tiafoe is so focused right now.

Third set: Musetti 6-2, 4-6, 5-4 Tiafoe* (*denotes next server)

Anything Tiafoe can do … Musetti seems set to reply with a love hold of his own. But Tiafoe thwacks a return and Musetti nets. Musetti then balloons a forehand long. He’s gesticulating. And grimacing when he then loops a backhand long! The wind is getting under his shots here. Deuce. He could do with hitting a foot or so within the lines, giving himself more margin for error, but he doesn’t even need to when Tiafoe misdirects his return. And then tonks out to give Musetti the hold.

Third set: Musetti* 6-2, 4-6, 4-4 Tiafoe (*denotes next server)

15-0, 30-0, 40-0, jeu Tiafoe. Move on; there’s not much to see. No break points in this set so far and we’re definitely not getting any here.

Third set: Musetti 6-2, 4-6, 4-3 Tiafoe* (*denotes next server)

Superb defence from Tiafoe on the second point as he charges left and right but even better attack from Musetti as, airborne, he launches himself into a winning forehand. That’s the highlight of the game as Musetti holds to 15. This third set hasn’t really caught fire yet; they’re both holding too comfortably for that.

Third set: Musetti* 6-2, 4-6, 3-3 Tiafoe (*denotes next server)

Mon dieu! At 30-15, Musetti makes the drop shot, Tiafoe hits deep, Musetti spins, sprints and slides to retrieve it … and Tiafoe, probably not expecting the ball to come back, nets! 30-all. But Tiafoe dismisses any sense of alarm by ripping through the next two points.

Third set: Musetti 6-2, 4-6, 3-2 Tiafoe* (*denotes next server)

Tiafoe’s results haven’t always kept pace with his immense likability, but here he is, at deuce on Musetti’s serve, continuing to ask questions, as he seeks one of the biggest wins of his career. He’s been to two US Open semi-finals, but reaching the last four here would be far more unexpected, especially as this isn’t his favoured surface and he had no real form to speak of coming into Roland Garros. Musetti makes his way to advantage on his serve, and then paints the line on the next point … or did he? Everyone’s looking at the mark. The umpire is out of his chair. Tiafoe comes to have a look. As does Musetti. They agree it was in, so Musetti nudges ahead in this set once more.

Third set: Musetti* 6-2, 4-6, 2-2 Tiafoe (*denotes next server)

Tiafoe is a man transformed from the first set. He looks so confident, his serve is firing and Musetti is the one who looks a little agitated and annoyed. 15-0, 30-0, 40-0, game Tiafoe.

Third set: Musetti 6-2, 4-6, 2-1 Tiafoe* (*denotes next server)

The winner here will face Carlos Alcaraz in the semi-finals, sorry, Alcaraz or Tommy Paul. They’re on later in the night session. Paul’s presence in the quarter-finals, along with Tiafoe’s, makes it the first time since 1996 that the US has had two men at this stage. Back then it was Pete Sampras and Jim Courier, with Sampras then losing to Yevgeny Kafelnikov in his only semi at the only slam he never conquered. At 30-all, Musetti ups the ante with some big hitting to hold.

Third set: Musetti* 6-2, 4-6, 1-1 Tiafoe (*denotes next server)

Oooohs and aaaaahs and sacré bleus from the crowd as Musetti holds with a sliced backhand winner. “It reminds me of Ken Rosewall,” enthuses McEnroe. Tiafoe responds with a hold to 15 of his own.

If you’re just joining us.

At 30-0, another flick of that one-hander from Musetti as he strides forward makes it 30-15. Musetti makes a mess of his backhand on the next return though, but the wind had something to do with it as well. It was well long. I wish they’d introduce a “WAY OUT” call. It would be much more entertaining than just “OUT”. But anyhow, I digress. It’s 40-15, two set points. And Tiafoe needs just the one as he settles an 11-shot exchange with a forehand winner!

Second set: Musetti 6-2, 4-5 Tiafoe* (*denotes next server)

Musetti, serving to stay in the second set, does all he can do, moving to 15-0, 30-0, 40-0. Tiafoe inconveniences the Italian at 40-15, and Musetti should really do better with his lob on the next point, but it doesn’t have nearly enough depth and Tiafoe gratefully puts away the smash. 40-30. Musetti holds from there but must now break Tiafoe if he’s to survive any longer in this set.

Second set: Musetti* 6-2, 3-5 Tiafoe (*denotes next server)

Musetti leaves a scorch mark in the clay after a jet-propelled slide forward to put away the short ball. 0-30 on Tiafoe’s serve. But two terrible backhands and Musetti is cursing at himself. If he loses this set they could prove crucial. Tiafoe takes advantage by moving to 40-30, but Musetti has the net gods on his side as his answer to Tiafoe’s drop shot skims the net and trickles over. Deuce. Advantage Tiafoe. And the American’s triumphantly pumping his fist to the skies when it becomes game.

Second set: Musetti 6-2, 3-4 Tiafoe* (*denotes next server)

15-0, 30-0, 40-0, game Musetti, when Tiafoe gets in a tangle with the net post as he attempts to chase down the drop shot.

Second set: Musetti* 6-2, 2-4 Tiafoe (*denotes next server)

Musetti holds to 15 to stay just the one break behind, and gets himself a glimmer on Tiafoe’s serve at 30-all. But a short, sharp punch from Tiafoe and it’s 40-30. Game, with another stinging, snarling serve.

Second set: Musetti* 6-2, 1-3 Tiafoe (*denotes next server)

In the women’s wheelchair singles, Diede de Groot, the five-times champion, has suffered her first loss at Roland Garros since 2020, beaten in straight sets in the first round by Li Xiaohui. Victory, though, for Britain’s Alfie Hewett and Gordon Reid in the men’s event … and an immediate break-back chance for Musetti at 30-40 on Tiafoe’s serve! Musetti sprints forward to the drop shot … but Tiafoe proves to be the Italian’s Big Foe as he puts away the volley. Deuce. Advantage Musetti, a second break point. Again it’s repelled with a drop shot. And Tiafoe takes the next two points for a gutsy hold. It took a while, but Tiafoe is very much part of this quarter-final now.

Tiafoe breaks: Musetti 6-2, 1-2 Tiafoe* (*denotes next server)

One of the points of the match at 0-30, Tiafoe has a couple of chances to close it out, but doesn’t and Musetti makes him pay with a forehand winner down the line. But Tiafoe’s aggression has left a doubt in Musetti’s mind and the Italian double faults. 15-40, two break points. On the second, Tiafoe thunders down a forehand, Musetti just about gets it back, along with the next missile or two from Tiafoe, but eventually the Italian is blown away! Tiafoe has his first break!

Second set: Musetti* 6-2, 1-1 Tiafoe (*denotes next server)

Musetti channels the spirit of Federer with a lovely one-hander on Tiafoe’s serve, but it’s as good as it gets for the 8th seed in this game. McEnroe is musing whether Musetti can prompt a revival of the one-handed backhand, but reckons it’s still on its way out.

Second set: Musetti 6-2, 1-0 Tiafoe* (*denotes next server)

“The wind played a part, Musetti played a part, what exactly is the plan for Tiafoe right now?” asks John McEnroe. “His intensity and concentration need to pick up. He’s got to make every point count here early. I’d like to see him come in behind some of his serves given how far Musetti’s standing back on the return.” We won’t get to see straight away if Tiafoe has somehow telepathically heard the pleas of his fellow American, because Musetti is serving at the start of the second set. The wind is kicking up even more, and the clay is flying into Tiafoe’s face at 30-0. Musetti’s shots are blowing right at him too, and here’s an easy hold for the Italian.

Musetti makes his backhand for 0-15. Tiafoe misses his for 0-30. Musetti, dancing up and down beyond the baseline waiting to receive, senses there’s a chance to end the set here. Tiafoe’s hitting is too big. 15-30. But Musetti has two set points at 15-40 after a poorly executed drop shot from Tiafoe. And they’ve only been playing 30 minutes. Tiafoe decides to come to the net, but makes a mess of the volley! Musetti secures a one-sided opener – and it’s the first set Tiafoe has dropped this tournament.

First set: Musetti 5-2 Tiafoe* (*denotes next server)

Musetti, serving at 30-15, misdirects a backhand into the net. 30-all … a little opening, perhaps for Tiafoe, which becomes a break point when he biffs a backhand down the line that Musetti can’t get back into court! Tiafoe – once more wearing his head-to-toe blue number, even down to his socks and shoes – steps in to return the second serve, and is in charge, bossing Musetti, but they then get involved in a backhand cross-court face-off, before Musetti knifes a backhand slice down the line! Deuce. Advantage Musetti. Jeu Musetti, who has just too much clay-court nous for the American right now.

First set: Musetti* 4-2 Tiafoe (*denotes next server)

Musetti gets himself another comfortable hold, and there’s a big roar of approval on the opening point of Tiafoe’s serve as Musetti’s racket turns into a wand to conjure up a forehand winner. Both of these men have superb forehands; expect them to run around their backhands whenever they can, even though Musetti does have the now-delightful rarity of a one-hander – which Musetti flashes down the line for a winner for 40-30. But Tiafoe hits his best shot of the match, a ferocious forehand down the line, to win the game.

First set: Musetti* 3-1 Tiafoe (*denotes next server)

In contrast, Tiafoe’s four wins this fortnight equal his win total in nine previous appearances at the French Open. He starts this game messily too, but recovers from 15-30 with three straight points to at least get his side of the scoreboard moving.

First set: Musetti 3-0 Tiafoe* (*denotes next server)

These two have played each other five times before, by the way, with Musetti winning their only meeting on clay, in Rome two years ago. Musetti is certainly the more natural of the two on the red dirt. He reached the Monte Carlo Masters final in the buildup to the French Open, along with the semi-finals in Madrid and Rome. Oh, and he once had a two sets to love lead over Djokovic at Roland Garros. And an unwieldy slide from Tiafoe and a forehand shank into the stands allows Musetti to back up the break.

First set: Musetti* 2-0 Tiafoe (*denotes next server)

But let’s get down to business. After a hold to 30 for Musetti, the Italian pushes and probes his way to deuce on Tiafoe’s serve. The wind is still strong, and Tiafoe is at the end where he’s playing against it. He looks uneasy. And he hits wide not once but twice to hand Musetti the early break.

Musetti, meanwhile, the stylish 23-year-old Italian who recently broke in the top 10, had his big breakthrough at Wimbledon last year, when he reached the semi-finals before losing to Novak Djokovic. Go back a few years and his name was often mentioned alongside Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz, but he’s taken a little longer to find his way to near the top of the game.

“He’s a hugger,” says John McEnroe of the man known as Big Foe and one of the most popular players in the locker room. McEnroe says the 27-year-old’s main issue in the past has been the lack of a killer instinct, with only one grand slam quarter-final appearance away from the US Open before today, back at the Australian Open in 2019.

These two are both playing in their first French Open quarter-final, Musetti after his impressive four-set win over Holger Rune in the fourth round, and Tiafoe after becoming the first American man since Andre Agassi in 1995 to reach this stage without dropping a set.

Time to turn our attention to the first of the men’s quarter-finals, though, as Lorenzo Musetti and Frances Tiafoe warm up on Chatrier.

Thanks Yara. Well, Swiatek’s win over Rybakina the other day seems to have had a transformative effect on her confidence, and the fifth seed (it still seems strange to be writing that) is now just one win away from her first final since the French Open last year. I say “just” – but with that semi-final being against Sabalenka, she’ll need to be at her Nadalian best on the clay as she attempts to become the first woman in history to win the singles title four times in a row.