Alexander Zverev will enter Friday’s French Open semi-final against the emerging Czech player Jakub Mensik with the tournament wide open following a series of surprising eliminations in Paris.
The draw was dramatically altered after defending champion Carlos Alcaraz withdrew due to injury. Meanwhile, world number one Jannik Sinner and 24-time Grand Slam champion Novak Djokovic were both knocked out in the early rounds, leaving second seed Zverev as the most seasoned player remaining in contention.
Zverev, who has earned an Olympic gold medal and two ATP Finals titles, is still pursuing his first Grand Slam victory despite having reached finals at the US Open, French Open, and Australian Open. Paris now presents another significant chance to claim that elusive major title.
“I don’t particularly care,” the 29-year-old said when asked about being considered the favorite. “I focus on the next match… that’s the only thing I can control. If I win those matches, then that’s great.” He emphasized that success hinges on trusting his game, adding, “If I play well, then I think that’s 99 percent of the work.”
Opposing him is 20-year-old Mensik, seeded 26th, who is also chasing his first Grand Slam trophy. Unlike Zverev’s relatively smooth progression, Mensik has faced a much tougher route, including two five-set battles and a physically taxing match in extreme heat that left him collapsing on court.
Guided by Novak Djokovic, Mensik impressed in the quarter-finals with a composed victory over Brazilian teenager Joao Fonseca, demonstrating a powerful serve and aggressive baseline play.
“I’m playing better and better,” Mensik said. “Of course, it’s a bigger match… I’m excited for the challenge.”
In the other semi-final, two Italians will compete for a spot in the final as Flavio Cobolli faces Matteo Arnaldi. Both players are capitalizing on a rare Grand Slam opportunity amid the absence of the sport’s top stars.
Cobolli stated he is approaching the match without pressure, while Arnaldi, who advanced after Matteo Berrettini retired injured, expressed that he is simply enjoying his breakthrough run into the last four.
These semi-finals highlight a transformative moment at Roland Garros, with established champions missing and a new generation vying for one of tennis’s most prestigious titles.
