Zverev Reaches French Open Final, Aims for First Grand Slam Title

Three Hours, Four Sets

In the second set, which lasted just over half an hour, Zverev pulled away early and won it 6:2. The Hamburg native appeared focused and confident on the ball, while Mensik increasingly struggled to keep up with the high pace of the German top player.

There was a brief interruption in the third set when Mensik took a medical timeout and required treatment for his neck and shoulder. Following this, the young Czech player managed his only break of the entire match, taking a 4:2 lead and winning the set 6:3. Zverev had only lost two sets prior to the final in the tournament so far, but at this point in the match, he was not overly concerned.

The Backstory: Three Lost Finals

At the start of the fourth set, Zverev immediately struck, breaking Mensik's serve in the opening game. With a quick 2:0 lead, he took away the momentum that Mensik had gained from winning the third set. Subsequently, the Hamburg-born player controlled the proceedings and used his first match point to secure the victory.

The win against Mensik is more than just a place in the final for Zverev. It marks his fourth Grand Slam final appearance of his career, after narrowly losing to Jannik Sinner at the Australian Open in 2025. This gives him the opportunity to finally fulfill his dream of a first major title. Prior to the tournament, Zverev had spent approximately four hours less on court than his semifinal opponent, which became noticeable in the decisive phases.

Without Alcaraz and Sinner

The tournament situation is as favorable for the world number three as it has rarely been. Last year's defending champion, Carlos Alcaraz, was absent due to injury, and the Spanish world number one did not even participate. Jannik Sinner, who had defeated Zverev at the Australian Open, was also eliminated early. Both players who had contested the title against him in previous finals are therefore no longer in the tournament.

Zverev himself had an unfortunate exit from the 2024 Roland Garros final after a heavy five-set defeat to Carlos Alcaraz. In total, he has lost his previous three Grand Slam finals: in New York in 2020 against Dominic Thiem, last year in Paris against Alcaraz, and in Melbourne in early 2025 against Sinner. Now, he has another chance.

Waiting for the Opponent

In Sunday's final, he will face either Flavio Cobolli or Matteo Arnaldi. Both are Italians, and the second semifinal between them was scheduled to take place on Court Philippe Chatrier immediately after Zverev's victory and was broadcast live on German television. It would be the first all-Italian Grand Slam final in history.

Should Zverev indeed triumph on Sunday, he would be the first German tennis professional since Boris Becker to win a Grand Slam title. Becker won the Australian Open 30 years ago; since then, no German player has achieved success at the highest level. For the Hamburg native, who had already won Olympic gold in singles at the Tokyo Olympics, a title at Roland Garros would be the crowning achievement of a long career often marked by setbacks.

Becker as a Historical Benchmark

The atmosphere in the stands was already jubilant by late Friday afternoon. The roof of Court Philippe Chatrier remained open throughout the entire match, and spectators experienced the semifinal victory under the open sky. In the corridors and around the grounds, German fans celebrated their compatriot's advance to the final.

The fact that Zverev has not lost faith in himself despite three lost Grand Slam finals is evident not only in his sporting career but also in his demeanor in Paris. In press conferences after his previous victories in this tournament, Alexander Zverev appeared focused yet relaxed. The pressure that had weighed on him in past finals seemed to have lifted somewhat on Friday.

The fact that his fourth chance for a major title comes in Paris has a special significance for Zverev. Last year, he lost the final here against Alcaraz in five sets, in front of a home crowd and numerous German fans. Now, twelve months later, the most challenging tournament on the calendar is set to become his place of longing. The conditions on clay, his own physical capabilities, and the absence of his greatest rivals all speak in his favor.

Before the final on Sunday, however, Zverev has a rest day. During this short break, he will not only gather his strength but also analyze the second semifinal. While Cobolli is the clear favorite going into the match, Arnaldi has proven throughout the tournament that he can also cause surprises. For Zverev, the preparation remains similar to that before all the finals he has participated in so far.

If the victory against Mensik enters tennis history as a symbol of a turning point in Zverev's career, it will hold a prominent place. The triumph would not only be a personal achievement but would also have a sporting-political dimension: it would be the first time in three decades that a German name stands at the very top of the leaderboard in the men's tour's major tournaments.

The French Open final will be held on Court Philippe Chatrier on Sunday. For German tennis fans, this marks the beginning of a short but intense period of waiting. Summer temperatures prevail in the capital, and the venue is prepared for the grand finale. Ultimately, Zverev awaits what is likely the most important match of his career to date.