Alexander Zverev defeated Jakub Mensik 7-5, 6-2, 3-6, 6-3 to reach the French Open 2026 final. The German is now one victory away from claiming the first Grand Slam title of his career.
Alexander Zverev downs Jakub Mensik to storm into the men's singles final at the French Open in Paris on Friday. Photo credit: IANS
Alexander Zverev moved within touching distance of a maiden Grand Slam title after defeating Czech rising star Jakub Mensik 7-5, 6-2, 3-6, 6-3 to book his place in the French Open final on Friday.
The second seed delivered a composed performance on Court Philippe-Chatrier, overcoming a third-set resurgence from the 20-year-old to reach the Roland Garros final for the second time and the fourth Grand Slam final of his career.
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For Zverev, Sunday’s title clash represents another opportunity to end his long wait for a major crown after falling short in the French Open final last year, the US Open in 2020 and the Australian Open in 2025. The German will now face 10th seed Flavio Cobolli for the championship.
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“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,” Zverev said after the victory.
With fellow title contenders Jannik Sinner and Novak Djokovic bowing out early, the draw opened up significantly, but Zverev still had to maintain his high standards to capitalise on the opportunity.
The German has done exactly that, producing a dominant campaign in Paris and dropping just two sets across six matches en route to the final.
The 29-year-old’s latest run has also secured his place in the record books, making him only the fifth active men’s player to reach multiple singles finals at Roland Garros. With another title-match appearance on the Paris clay, Zverev now stands just one win away from capturing the elusive first Grand Slam crown of his career.
Also Read: French Open 2026: Mensik reaches maiden Grand Slam semifinal, to face Zverev
Zverev came within one set of the title in Paris in 2024 and has also finished runner-up at the US Open in 2020 and the Australian Open last year. In his latest bid on Sunday, World No. 3 Zverev will face 10th seed Flavio Cobolli.
(With agency inputs)
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