Final at the French Open: Zverev reaches for the stars against Cobolli

The 29-year-old beat the Czech, who was nine years younger Jakub Mensikwho played his first semi-final at Grand Slam level, after around three hours 7.5, 6:2, 3:6 and 6:3.

Things didn’t go quite smoothly in the first set, at least Zverev showed himself to be cool on three breakballs like his opponent in the previous games and again used his first breakball at 5:5. Afterwards, the 24-time tournament winner played with great enthusiasm, Mensik hardly found an antidote, especially against what was perhaps the best backhand of the tour.

Even though the fans cheered on the 20-year-old outsider – because they wanted to see more of the semi-final – Mensik appeared to be slightly injured in the third set, had himself treated and played like a substitute in front of the cheering fans who wanted to see more. The Czech now trusted his strengths more.

Second semi-final canceled: Zverev meets Cobolli

Zverev stayed cool, as Mensik had in the quarterfinals in the youngster duel with the Brazilian Joao Fonseca, and played home the fourth set. Jakub Mensik can console himself, he will be in the new ranking Platz 17 improve.

On Sunday (3 p.m., Servus TV, Eurosport) Zverev is now reaching for the stars and can become the first German to win a Grand Slam in 30 years (Boris Becker, Australian Open 1996). The 29-year-old will play in the final Flavio Cobolli. The Italian made it to the final without a fight after his compatriot Matteo Arnaldi had to withdraw due to illness. Zverev can show it to all critics on Sunday, especially those from his country. After unsuccessful attempts, many claimed that it would no longer work. “I never understood that,” says Austria’s top coach Günter Bresnik. “You always have to have him on the bill. At 29, he’s not too old.”

Triumph before your eyes

Zverev came close in the final of the US Open in 2019 when he played against Dominic Thiem lost a clear lead. Zverev came close in the 2024 French Open final when he led 2-1 in sets against Alcaraz. And don’t forget: In 2022 he was the better player against Nadal in the semifinals before a wrong step forced him to take a long break due to injury. Back then, seven ribbons dashed all hopes.

The fact that Zverev has earned this title shows just his persistence in the elite: nine years ago, Zverev was already number three in the world.

Zverev’s chance remains greater than ever.

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