Alexander Zverev reached the semi-finals of the French Open with a 7-6 (3), 6-1, 6-3 victory over teenage qualifier Rafael Jódar on Tuesday. The German second seed survived an early scare as the 19-year-old Spaniard raced to a 5-2 lead in the first set, only for Zverev to reel off the next five games and seize control.
Jódar, who had impressed during the clay-court season with 19 wins, including quarter-finals in Madrid and Rome, ran out of steam after consecutive five-set matches. Zverev served effectively and struck his forehand freely thereafter, allowing his opponent minimal breathing room.
Zverev's path to the semi-finals has been relatively straightforward, having faced no player ranked inside the top 25. With top seeds Jannik Sinner and Novak Djokovic eliminated early, the German is now the highest-ranked player left in the draw, with world No. 6 Félix Auger-Aliassime the only other top-10 player remaining.
The 29-year-old Zverev, a 24-time ATP title winner and Olympic gold medallist, is seeking his first grand slam title. He has reached three previous grand slam finals but has often been criticised for lacking courage in crucial moments. His pursuit has also been overshadowed by domestic violence allegations from two former partners, which he denies. A court case with ex-partner Brenda Patea was settled out of court during the 2024 French Open.
Zverev will next face the talented 20-year-old Jakub Menšík, the 26th seed, for a place in the final.
