Zverev manages Mensik to reach second Paris

Alexander Zverev earned a second chance at the French Open on Friday as the 2024 runner-up moved into his second Paris final 7-5, 6-2, 3-6, 6-3 over Jakub Mensik.

The 29-year-old who lost the Roland Garros final two years ago to Carlos Alcaraz has come up short in three previous title matches at the majors (2025 Australian Open and 2020 US Open).

He was competing in his fifth semi-final at the clay major.

“This was my toughest challenge so far,” Zverev said. “But I managed, I won and I’m happy.”

““He started playing amazingly in the third set. “He really stepped up to another level. 

“But this is a Grand Slam, it’s best-of-five-set matches. Opponents are going to play better. 

“You have to deal with it… I did and I hope to play another great match on Sunday.”

Mensik was playing in his first semi-final at a major but missed the chance to become the youngest men’s finalist here since a 20-year-old Rafael Nadal in 2006. 

Zverev lined up for a Sunday final against one of two Italians, Favio Cobolli or Matteo Arnaldi, who has spent nearly 20 hours on court in his previous Paris matches at this edition.

The seed’s victory was his 44th at the venue and tied him on the statistical lead with David Ferrer.

Zverev fought back in the fourth set after losing the third, breaking for 2-0 and maintaining the margin all the way to match point, where he fired an eighth ace to advance after three hours. .    

IAnything can happen on clay at any given moment. You can always try to find a way, that is not the case on fast grass or hardcourt.

“That is the special art of Roland Garros.”

Zverev and his Czech opponent took their time in a lengthy opening set that took an hour to complete.

Mensik had the first chances in the eighth game with three break points – all saved by the German seed.

Zverev then struck in the final game, driving a winner deep into the corner and belting down an ace on his third set point chance to take early control.

The pace picked up early in the second set, with Zverev breaking for a 2-1 lead as his big-match experience came into play.

The German earned a double break as Mensik sent down a double-fault to drop to 2-5; Zverev served out the set a game later, taking just 35 minutes.

Mensik called for the trainer after holding for 2-1 and was taken off court for a medical timeout to treat a neck problem after getting a minor massage at his chair.

He returned to the court in a sprint, seemingly refreshed and put his enthusiasm to good use with his first break of the German serve for a 4-2 lead from a winning dropshot.

Mensik handed the world No. 3 only his second loss of a set this fortnight with a dropshot winner on set point to preserve his comeback hopes after two and a quarter hours of play.

Main photo:- Alexander Zverev celebrates winning semi-final by Roger Parker/ISF Ltd