Alexander Zverev moved within one victory of capturing his first Grand Slam title after defeating Czech rising star Jakub Mensik in four sets to reach the French Open final on Friday. The German third seed produced a composed and clinical display to secure a 7-5, 6-2, 3-6, 6-3 victory over the 20-year-old Mensik on Court Philippe-Chatrier, booking his second Roland Garros final and fourth Grand Slam final overall.
Zverev, who has previously fallen short in three major finals, will now face Italy's Flavio Cobolli in Sunday's championship match after Matteo Arnaldi withdrew from the second semifinal because of a viral illness.
The 29-year-old German made a strong start in a closely contested opening set, earning a decisive break in the 11th game before serving confidently to take the lead. He then tightened his grip on the contest in the second set, capitalising on a dip in Mensik's level to move two sets ahead.
Mensik, playing in his first Grand Slam semifinal, showed admirable resilience. After receiving treatment for a neck issue, the Czech youngster responded impressively in the third set, combining powerful serving with intelligent shot-making to reduce the deficit and briefly shift the momentum.
However, Zverev's experience ultimately proved decisive. The world number three quickly regained control in the fourth set, maintaining his intensity from the baseline and limiting Mensik's opportunities before sealing victory after three hours of high-quality tennis.
"I knew it would be my toughest challenge of the tournament," Zverev said. "Mensik has been playing incredible tennis and beating top players. In Grand Slams, momentum changes and opponents raise their level, but I'm happy with how I handled those moments."
The victory makes Zverev only the fifth active men's player to reach multiple French Open finals and gives him another opportunity to finally claim a long-awaited major title.
Meanwhile, Cobolli advanced to his maiden Grand Slam final in unfortunate circumstances after fellow Italian Matteo Arnaldi withdrew because of a viral infection. Arnaldi revealed he became seriously ill overnight and felt unable to compete, while Cobolli admitted the withdrawal was an emotional moment, describing his compatriot as both a respected rival and an inspiration.
