German star moves closer to first Grand Slam title while teenage rivals continue breakthrough runs in Paris.
Image: BBC
Alexander Zverev powered into the semi-finals of the French Open with a commanding win over Spanish teenager Rafael Jodar. The German, the highest-ranked player left in the men’s draw, won 7-6, 6-1, 6-3 to continue his strong run in Paris.
Zverev has now reached the French Open semi-finals five times in the last six years, but is still chasing his first Grand Slam title after finishing runner-up on three occasions. He has dropped only one set so far in the tournament and remains among the top favourites.
In another quarter-final, Czech player Jakub Mensik defeated Brazilian teenager Joao Fonseca 6-4, 6-3, 7-6 to reach his first Grand Slam semi-final. The 20-year-old praised his performance, calling it one of his best matches so far.
Fonseca, who impressed earlier in the tournament with wins over top players, said his run still gave him confidence despite the defeat.
In the women’s draw, Marta Kostyuk and Mirra Andreeva also moved into the semi-finals after strong performances. Kostyuk extended her unbeaten clay-court run, while Andreeva produced a dominant win over Sorana Cirstea to return to the last four.
Kostyuk dedicated her victory to Ukraine following a night of heavy attacks in the country, while Andreeva said she managed to stay focused despite difficult weather conditions in Paris.
