Alexander Zverev moved within touching distance of a long-awaited Grand Slam breakthrough after defeating Czech youngster Jakub Mensik in four sets to reach the French Open final on Friday.
The German second seed prevailed 7-5, 6-2, 3-6, 6-3 on Court Philippe-Chatrier, keeping alive his quest for a maiden major title and setting up a championship clash against either Flavio Cobolli or Matteo Arnaldi.
With several of the tournament's biggest names no longer in contention, Zverev has emerged as the overwhelming favourite in Paris. World No. 1 Jannik Sinner's campaign unravelled in the second round when he squandered a two-set and 5-1 lead against Juan Manuel Cerundolo, while Carlos Alcaraz never made it to the draw after withdrawing with a right wrist injury.
Even so, Zverev faced a stern examination from Mensik, who had enjoyed a breakthrough fortnight in Paris. The 20-year-old arrived in the semifinals after producing impressive victories over Andrey Rublev and Brazilian rising star João Fonseca, continuing a memorable run despite battling physical issues earlier in the tournament.
“He beat so many unbelievable players. I knew it was going to be the toughest challenge that I had so far. And I managed. I won. I’m happy,” Zverev said.
The contest began under difficult conditions, with gusty winds causing problems for both players. Mistimed shots were common in the opening stages as they adjusted to the swirling conditions with the roof remaining open.
Mensik attempted to disrupt Zverev's rhythm by frequently moving forward and employing serve-and-volley tactics, but the German's consistency from the back of the court gradually tilted the match in his favour.
The opening set turned on a pair of costly double faults from Mensik, allowing Zverev to secure the decisive break. The second seed tightened his grip on the contest in the following set, breaking early and capitalising on another double fault to move further ahead.
The momentum shifted briefly in the third set. After receiving treatment for a neck issue and taking a medical timeout, Mensik returned with renewed aggression. He found greater success with his drop shots and varied his tactics effectively, earning a break of serve and eventually claiming the set to spark hopes of a comeback.
The Paris crowd responded enthusiastically, encouraging the young Czech as he attempted to drag the match into a fifth set. It was a rare setback for Zverev, who had surrendered only one set previously during the tournament.
“He started playing amazing the third set,” Zverev said. “This is best-of-five-set matches: You know things (are) going to happen. Opponents are going to play better. You have to deal with it. You have to manage it. I did. And I hope to play another great match on Sunday.”
However, the German quickly regained control in the fourth set. His superior movement and defensive skills repeatedly frustrated Mensik, who found himself forced into increasingly difficult positions. One exchange summed up the match perfectly when Zverev tracked down a net approach and produced a delicate cross-court return that left the Czech smiling in admiration.
The victory sends Zverev into the fourth Grand Slam final of his career and offers another chance to erase the disappointment of previous near misses.
His closest opportunity at Roland Garros came in 2024 when he led Carlos Alcaraz by two sets to one before eventually falling short. Four years earlier, he had squandered a two-set lead against Dominic Thiem in the US Open final. More recently, he was beaten in straight sets by Jannik Sinner in the 2025 Australian Open final.
Now, with the title within reach and many of the pre-tournament favourites already eliminated, Zverev has perhaps his best opportunity yet to secure the major trophy that has remained just beyond his grasp throughout his career.
Away from the court, Zverev's most recent Grand Slam final appearance in Australia also attracted attention because of allegations made by former partners. Following that match, a spectator shouted the names of two ex-girlfriends who had accused him of physical abuse. One matter was resolved through an agreement involving German prosecutors and legal representatives, while an ATP investigation into a separate allegation concluded there was insufficient evidence to support disciplinary action.
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