Just over a week ago, the tennis world was buzzing about another potential showdown between Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz. But with Sinner fading in the second-round heat and Alcaraz withdrawing before the tournament even began, the landscape of the French Open has shifted dramatically. Alexander Zverev now finds himself in a position he may never experience again: the clear favorite to win his first grand slam title.
Zverev has long been labeled the best male player without a major victory, a tag he must be tired of hearing. With his two biggest rivals out of the picture, the German has played with freedom rather than pressure. He has dropped just one set en route to his 11th grand slam semifinal. However, given how the draw has opened up, Zverev has yet to face a truly formidable opponent. That changes now as he takes on Jakub Mensik, a 20-year-old Czech with a massive serve.
Mensik has already impressed by defeating Alex de Minaur, Andrey Rublev, and neutralizing Joao Fonseca's powerful forehand in the quarterfinals. He is raw but unproven at this stage of a major, making him Zverev's toughest test yet. Zverev will hope his past grand slam scars do not resurface against the young Czech.
Meanwhile, history is being made in the other half of the draw. For the first time ever, two Italian men will face off in a grand slam semifinal: Flavio Cobolli and Matteo Arnaldi. Arnaldi has spent more time on court than any player in grand slam history to reach the last four, earning the nickname "marathon man." Cobolli, known for his superstitions, has been channeling his inner Rafael Nadal, even using the 14-time champion's favorite shower cubicle after each match. Although Sinner is long gone, this wild and unpredictable French Open could still see an Italian champion crowned.
Action begins at 2:30 PM local time in Paris (1:30 PM BST). Let the games begin!
