French Open 2026: Mensik reaches maiden Grand Slam semifinal, to face Zverev

Rising Czech star Jakub Mensik reached the first Grand Slam semifinal of his career after defeating Brazilian teenager Joao Fonseca in straight sets at the French Open 2026 on Tuesday. The 20-year-old will next face second seed Alexander Zverev, who advanced to the last four with a commanding victory over Spain’s Rafael Jodar.

Mensik overcame the 19-year-old Fonseca 6-4, 6-3, 7-6(3) in a high-quality contest between two of tennis’ brightest young prospects. The victory made him the youngest Czech man to reach a Grand Slam semifinal and the first player born after 2004 to make the final four of a major tournament.

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“We started a little bit nervous, then at the end of the match there were some incredible shots,” Mensik said after the win. “I am super happy that I came back. In the third set, I was a couple of breaks down, so I am happy I managed to stay focused and keep fighting until the end.”

Meanwhile, Zverev booked his place in the semifinals for the fifth time in six years at Roland Garros with a 7-6(3), 6-1, 6-3 win over 19-year-old Rafael Jodar. The German rallied from 2-5 down in the opening set before taking control of the match and securing victory in two hours and 17 minutes.

Zverev battled back from a set deficit scare to defeat the 19-year-old Jodar 7-6(3), 6-1, 6-3 on Court Philippe-Chatrier. The German found himself trailing 2-5 in the opening set before raising his level to claim the tiebreak and take control of the contest. He eventually completed the victory in two hours and 17 minutes, extending his impressive run in Paris, where he has dropped just one set so far.

“It was tough. He was in perfect rhythm in the first set and I wasn’t,” Zverev said after the match. “The conditions under the roof were very different and I had to adjust my game. He was playing great, but I managed to come back and take my chances.”