Alexander Zverev advanced to the French Open semifinals by defeating Rafael Jodar 7-6(3), 6-1, 6-3 on Tuesday, positioning himself as the tournament's most established title contender after the early departures of world No. 1 Jannik Sinner and 24-time Grand Slam winner Novak Djokovic. The 29-year-old German, seeded second, will face Czech 26th seed Jakub Mensik on Friday for a place in the final.
How did Zverev overcome Jodar's early challenge?
Zverev rallied from 5-2 down in the opening set to force a tiebreak against the 19-year-old Spaniard. After taking the first set, the German's class proved decisive, with Jodar unable to maintain the intensity that had carried him through his debut Roland Garros run. Zverev fired seven aces without a double fault and held a 35-22 edge in winners across two hours and 25 minutes played under the roof on Court Philippe Chatrier.
Zverev described the conditions as challenging, noting that the indoor environment altered ball behaviour and required him to adjust his tactics. "He had perfect rhythm in the first set and I didn't," Zverev said post-match, according to Field Level Media. "But I managed to come back and he played a little bit of a nervous game when he served for it."
Who will Zverev face in the semifinal?
Jakub Mensik defeated Joao Fonseca 6-4, 6-3, 7-6(3) in the other quarterfinal, advancing to his first Grand Slam semifinal. The 20-year-old Czech player dominated with his serve, recording nine aces and winning 83 per cent of his first-serve points. Mensik needed seven match points to close out the match against the 19-year-old Brazilian, who had earlier upset Djokovic and Casper Ruud.
Why is Zverev the clear favourite?
With defending champion Carlos Alcaraz withdrawn due to injury, Sinner and Djokovic eliminated, and no remaining quarterfinalist having won a major before, the draw has opened dramatically in Zverev's favour. The German has reached seven Grand Slam semifinals in his career and is appearing in his fourth French Open semifinal since 2021, giving him vast experience over Mensik's maiden Grand Slam semifinal appearance.
Zverev has dropped only one set through five matches and has now reached the semifinals at two consecutive Grand Slams this year. He lost to Alcaraz in the 2024 French Open final and has finished runner-up at three Grand Slams overall. Friday's semifinal is scheduled to begin no earlier than 12:30 GMT on Court Philippe Chatrier.
Sources
- Straits Times: Zverev meets Mensik with eye on next step as Paris field blown open. Reuters, 2026-06-04.
- Field Level Media: Alexander Zverev, Jakub Mensik advance to French semis in straight sets. 2026-06-02.
- Arab News: Zverev powers into French Open semis as Fonseca run ends. 2026-06-03.
- Yardbarker: French Open 2026: Who Won Yesterday In Men's Singles Matches On Day 10. 2026-06-03.
Reported from public sources.