Carlos Alcaraz powered into the French Open semi-finals with a dominant straight-sets win over Tommy Paul, dropping just five games in a 6-0, 6-1, 6-4 victory that lasted only 94 minutes. The defending champion said his performance was partly inspired by top seed Jannik Sinner’s clinical run through the tournament.

Alcaraz, who fired 40 winners and made just 22 unforced errors, said he felt in perfect rhythm throughout the match, calling it one of those days where “everything went in.” Despite Paul’s prior wins over him, Alcaraz was relentless and closed the match with ease.

Next, he faces Italy’s Lorenzo Musetti — their third clay-court clash this season — with Alcaraz having won the previous two, including the Monte Carlo final and Rome semi-final.

Alcaraz acknowledged Sinner’s influence, saying the Italian’s efficiency motivated him to play with full intensity and finish matches quicker to conserve energy. “I’m sorry it ended so soon,” he joked to the crowd, “but I had a job to do.”