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Alexander Zverev ended 19-year-old Rafael Zodar’s French Open dream by beating the Spaniard 7-6 (7-3) 6-1 6-3 in the quarter-finals on Tuesday.
Top seed and clear favorite left in the draw after the shock exits of Janic Ciner and Novak Djokovic, as well as an injury to Carlos Alcaraz, Zverev looked set to lose the opening set against Zodar after serving for the Spaniard at 5-3. However, the German rallied impressively, dropping four of the next five games before sealing the set in a tie-break.
The reclusive German, who possesses one of the most powerful serves in the professional game, broke Jodar early in the second set before producing a tricky drop shot to secure a double break and cruise to a 6-1 victory.
Spain’s 19-year-old Jodar created chances to serve in the opening set, but seemed to let the pressure get to him.
The No. 2 seed seized control, breaking Jodar in the opening game of the third set before backing up to a comfortable hold.
Although she was forced to save a break point at 4-3, the German never looked in danger of relinquishing her advantage and sealed victory in style, producing a stunning forehand winner to break serve once more and wrap up the match.
“I want to continue and I want to be in the tournament and win the matches in front of me and that’s my aim and goal,” Zverev said courtside.
“Today was a very good test against a very good player. I’m happy to be in the semi-finals but that’s it for now.”
“He (Joda) had perfect rhythm in the first set and I didn’t, my shots were too short and I was too defensive, everything was different, the ball wasn’t bouncing as much, I had to shorten my shots but he was playing great.
“I took my chances well and after that it was a good match for me.
“I’ll be watching the (Fonseca vs Mencic) match tonight, but in my room on TV but with a nice drink in my hand. We’ve had two days off but it’s important to keep the rhythm and keep training.”
Mensik Fonseka wins in straight sets with a textbook fairy tale
Joao Fonseca of Brazil reacts during their fourth round tennis match against Casper Rudd of Norway at the French Open, Sunday, May 31, 2026, in Paris. (AP Photo/Thibault Camus)
Jakub Mencic ended Joao Fonseca’s French Open campaign with a determined finish that secured his place in the Roland-Garros semi-finals.
The world number 26 opened the match with precise passing shots, served brilliantly in the first set and secured a crucial break of serve at 3-2, before winning the final game of the set with a superb forehand volley that cut short a measured opener for the Czech.
The second set unfolds in much the same fashion. Leading 40-0 on serve at 2-2, Fonseca lost three straight points to drag it to deuce, giving Mencic a golden opportunity to claim a crucial break.
He took that opportunity expertly with a beautiful backhand passing shot and another forehand volley, Mencic grabbing the second set point before a bad double fault from Fonseca at 5-3.
Jakub Mencic has reached the semi-finals of the French Open for the first time in his career
The Czech, however, collapsed after three consecutive double faults in the first game of the third set, and Fonseca – clearly the fan favorite – fought through his obvious fatigue and held off the crowd’s energy to save six match points in the third at 6-5 to keep the match alive.
Mencic, however, kept his composure in the tie-break and finally took his seventh chance to win the match in straight sets with a beautiful pair of drop shots. He ended Fonseca’s fairytale run and secured his place in the semi-finals of the French Open for the first time in his career.
“Joao is a great guy and a great competitor,” Mencic said. “Before the match, I knew it was going to be tough. We started a bit nervous, but at the end of the match there were some incredible shots and I’m very happy that I came back in the third set.
“I was able to stay focused, stay in the match and keep fighting until the end.
“The last game and the tie-break was one of my best performances so far.”
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