Alexander Zverev moved within one win of his first Grand Slam title, defeating 20-year-old Jakub Mensik 7-5, 6-2, 3-6, 6-3 in Friday's French Open semifinals. The 27th-ranked Mensik, appearing in his first major semifinal, struggled with five double faults as Zverev advanced to Sunday's championship match.

With top-ranked Jannik Sinner exiting early and defending champion Carlos Alcaraz withdrawing due to a wrist injury, the path cleared for Zverev to claim his elusive major. The German never faced an opponent ranked inside the ATP top 25 during his run to the final, becoming the first player to reach a major final without such competition since his own 2020 US Open appearance.

Mensik employed serve-and-volley tactics while Zverev dominated from the baseline on red clay. After receiving treatment for neck issues in the third set, Mensik briefly rallied before Zverev's superior wingspan and court coverage proved decisive. The 27-year-old showed flashes of brilliance but ultimately lacked the experience against his opponent's consistent play.

Zverev seeks his first Grand Slam after three previous final losses - to Alcaraz at the 2024 French Open, Dominic Thiem at the 2020 US Open, and Sinner at the 2025 Australian Open. His opponent in Sunday's final will be either Flavio Cobolli or Matteo Arnaldi, setting up an all-Italian semifinal matchup.