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

There's a reason Carlos Alcaraz is gaining popularity as the "Prince of Clay" — a nickname widely seen as a sign that he's following the "King of Clay," Rafael Nadal, as the next Spanish conqueror of the tennis clay surface.

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 Tommy Paul, who had his right thigh heavily taped and was unable to run,