Alexander Zverev dispatched 19‑year‑old Rafael Jodar 7‑6(7‑3) 6‑1 6‑3 in Thursday’s French Open quarter‑final, ending the Spaniard’s run. Jodar served for the opening set at 5‑3, but the German rallied, taking four of the next five games and clinching the first set in a tie‑break. As the tournament’s No 2 seed, Zverev now stands as the clear favorite.

Zverev’s serve proved decisive, earning free points before breaking early in the second set and following with a deft drop shot to complete a double break, cruising to 6‑1. A break point saved at 4‑3 in the third set proved unnecessary as he broke again, sealed the set and advanced as the tournament’s top seed after Sinner, Djokovic and Alcaraz exited.

In the semi‑finals Zverev will meet either Brazil’s João Fonseca, who stunned Djokovic, or Czech teenager Jakub Mensik. Mensik, who upset a top‑seed earlier, will test Zverev’s resilience. Both youngsters have generated buzz, but Zverev’s experience and recent form give him a clear edge as he eyes a first Roland‑Garros title. The German now leads the draw.

Sinner’s and Djokovic’s quarter‑final losses, coupled with Alcaraz’s injury withdrawal, have cleared a path for Zverev to dominate Paris. His victory not only restores confidence after a mixed season but also positions him for a career‑defining Grand Slam. The win solidifies his status as the tournament’s leading contender.