French Open semi-finals: Zverev, Mensik and Italian rivals face pressure test
Alexander Zverev, Jakub Mensik, Flavio Cobolli and Matteo Arnaldi remain as the field narrows for the first-time Grand Slam champion.
The French Open men’s semi-finals will determine the first-time Grand Slam champion following the early exits of Jannik Sinner, Carlos Alcaraz, and Novak Djokovic. German second seed Alexander Zverev has emerged as the clear front-runner to claim the Coupe des Mousquetaires, though he carries significant scar tissue from three previous major final defeats. The 28-year-old missed a golden opportunity at the 2020 US Open after blowing a two-set lead against Dominic Thiem, was defeated by Alcaraz in the 2024 French Open final, and lost to Sinner in the 2023 Australian Open final.
With the top contenders removed from the draw, Zverev faces what may be his best opportunity to secure a major title. He has stated he does not care about being considered the favourite, insisting he focuses only on the next match and the opponent as they cross the net. Zverev noted that controlling his immediate response is the only factor within his power, adding that winning those matches would be a positive outcome.
Czech 26th seed Jakub Mensik, a 20-year-old talent, has demonstrated composure in his quarter-final victory over Joao Fonseca, winning on his seventh match point. Mensik previously proved his ability to handle high-stakes environments by defeating Novak Djokovic to win the Miami Open last year. However, former French Open champion Michael Chang expressed doubt that youth guarantees success, noting that high expectations can restrict the freedom of play for young athletes.
The remaining two semi-finalists are Italian rivals Flavio Cobolli and Matteo Arnaldi, who are close friends and met at junior tournaments aged 11. Cobolli, the 10th seed, reached the Wimbledon quarter-finals last year and stated he does not put pressure on himself, aiming to play with big passion and a big smile. He previously showed promise as a footballer in Roma’s academy before focusing on tennis.
Arnaldi, ranked 104th, has only twice reached the second week of a Grand Slam in 12 previous main-draw appearances. The 25-year-old overcame a persistent foot injury earlier in the season, describing the previous six months as the toughest of his career. He has played almost 20 hours of tennis to reach the semi-finals and expressed happiness at being on court, stating he has energy left for the next matches.
