Alexander Zverev moved to within touching distance of a maiden Grand Slam title, as the German fought past 26th seed Jakub Mensik 7-5 6-2 3-6 6-3 yesterday to reach the French Open final again.
The 29-year-old, who has lost three major finals, including one at Roland Garros two years ago, has looked sharp in Paris and faces Italian 10th seed Flavio Cobolli, after he was handed a semi-final walkover after compatriot Matteo Arnaldi pulled out due to a virus.
A tight opening set on a sun-kissed Court Philippe Chatrier tilted Zverev’s way when he struck a backhand crosscourt winner n the 11th game to bring up a break point, and he nudged ahead with a delicate shot that Mensik sent into the net.
The world No 3 sent down a powerful ace to pocket the first set and asserted himself with an early break at the start of the second set, as the 20-year-old Mensik’s level briefly dipped in his maiden Grand Slam semi-final.
Sunday will be Zverev’s fourth slam final and second in Paris after he lost to Carlos Alcaraz from two-sets-to-one up two years ago.
