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Alexander Zverev beats Jakub Mensik in four sets to reach the French Open final, will face either Flavio Cobolli or Matteo Arnaldi as he chases his first Grand Slam title
Alexander Zverev booked his spot in the French Open final (AP)
Alexander Zverev moved to the verge of a long-awaited first Grand Slam title on Friday, as the second seed defeated Jakub Mensik in four sets to reach his second French Open final.
The German will face either 10th seed Flavio Cobolli or fellow Italian Matteo Arnaldi on Sunday after securing a 7-5, 6-2, 3-6, 6-3 victory over Mensik.
Zverev has suffered several near misses at major tournaments, with three previous final defeats, including against Carlos Alcaraz at Roland Garros two years ago.
“This is a Grand Slam, it’s best of five, things are going to happen, opponents are going to play better. I managed it,” said Zverev.
“I hope to play another great match on Sunday.”
He will be a strong favourite against either Cobolli or world number 104 Arnaldi to finally get over the line and lift a Slam trophy.
The world number three was playing in his 11th Grand Slam semi-final, and his experience showed against Czech youngster Mensik.
The 20-year-old, contesting his first major semi-final, faded as the match wore on, with his previous exertions in Paris, including two five-set matches, taking their toll.
Zverev has handled the pressure of being the tournament favourite well since the early exits of Jannik Sinner and Novak Djokovic, in the second and third rounds respectively.
He will face one last test of his mental strength on Court Philippe Chatrier in two days’ time, but should at least be physically fresh after reaching the final having dropped only two sets in six matches.
“Pure emptiness, there’s absolutely nothing in my head,” a smiling Zverev said in his on-court interview at French Open.
“We’re athletes, very few of us have anything in our heads. Sometimes it’s easier to be stupid and not to think too much.”
The 29-year-old has been within one set of victory in two of his previous Slam finals: against Alcaraz in Paris in 2024 and when he squandered a two-set lead against Dominic Thiem at the 2020 US Open.
Zverev is also aiming to end a 14-month title drought dating back to a clay-court event in Munich in April last year.
How Zverev Eased Past Mensik
Zverev took a closely fought first set thanks to a break in the 11th game, having earlier saved three break points to prevent Mensik from taking a 5-3 lead.
The 26th seed could not keep pace in the second set, as Zverev broke twice and dropped only four points on his own serve.
Mensik called for a medical time-out just three games into the third set, appearing to struggle with a neck injury.
However, he dragged himself back into the contest seemingly out of nowhere, breaking to lead 4-2 in the third set as his use of the drop shot began to have a greater impact.
That shot secured a hold to love and the set — only the second Zverev had lost in the tournament.
Mensik could not maintain his momentum, though, falling 2-0 behind in the fourth set as consecutive backhand unforced errors gifted Zverev a break.
The three-time Grand Slam runner-up powered into the final from there, despite drawing the ire of some spectators for disputing two line calls and receiving a warning for a time violation.
Zverev sealed victory on his first match point as Mensik netted a backhand.
(With inputs from Agencies)
About the Author
Ritayan Basu, Senior Sub-Editor, Sports at News18.com. Has been covering domestic and and international football for over a decade. Has played and covered badminton. Ocassionally writes cricket conten…Read More
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