The French Open semi-finals feature an unexpected mix of experience and newcomers. Alexander Zverev joins Jakub Mensik, Flavio Cobolli, and Matteo Arnaldi in the final four at Roland Garros, with three of the four making their first Grand Slam semi-final appearance. The absence of favorites Jannik Sinner, Carlos Alcaraz, and Novak Djokovic has created a golden opportunity for someone to claim their maiden major title.

Zverev enters as the favorite despite carrying the weight of three previous Grand Slam final defeats. The German missed his best chance at the 2020 US Open, losing from two sets up against Dominic Thiem, then fell to Alcaraz in last year's French Open final. A devastating Australian Open loss to Sinner left him feeling mentally drained. At 28, he knows this window may not stay open forever. "I focus on the next match and on the opponent as they cross the net," Zverev said.

Mensik, 20, has shown poise beyond his years, defeating Joao Fonseca in a five-set quarter-final and taking down Djokovic in Miami last year. Former French Open champion Michael Chang questions whether youth brings freedom or pressure. Meanwhile, Italian friends Cobolli and Arnaldi face each other, with Arnaldi overcoming injury struggles to reach this stage.

Cobolli, the 10th seed, reached Wimbledon's quarter-finals last year and maintains his relaxed approach. Arnaldi, ranked 104th, spent nearly 20 hours on court just to reach the semi-finals. Someone will lift the Coupe des Mousquetaires on Sunday, but the question remains whether Zverev can handle the pressure better than his younger rivals.