Photo credit: Getty images
Alexander Zverev kept his hopes of winning a first Grand Slam title alive with an impressive straight-sets victory over rising Spanish talent Rafael Jodar to reach the French Open semi-finals.
The second seed produced a composed display to defeat the 19-year-old 7-6 (7-3), 6-1, 6-3 and move one step closer to the trophy that has so far eluded him throughout his career.
With several leading contenders already eliminated from the tournament, Zverev has become the highest-ranked player remaining in the men's singles draw. The German has long been regarded as one of the sport's top talents, yet Grand Slam success has remained out of reach despite reaching three major finals and seven semi-finals.
His closest opportunity came at Roland Garros in 2024 when he held a two-sets-to-one lead against Carlos Alcaraz in the final before eventually suffering defeat. He has also experienced disappointment on multiple occasions in the latter stages of the Paris tournament.
Many observers expected Jodar to provide a stern challenge after the teenager's impressive performances earlier in the competition. The young Spaniard is widely considered one of the brightest prospects in men's tennis and entered the quarter-final carrying significant momentum.
However, Zverev relied on his experience and composure to control key moments of the match. Although Jodar made a strong start and earned a break to move ahead 5-2 in the opening set, he was unable to convert the advantage as nerves appeared to affect him while serving for the set.
Zverev capitalized on the opportunity, breaking back before dominating the tiebreak to take an early lead. Once the opening set slipped away, the momentum shifted firmly in the German's favour.
The physical demands of the tournament may also have played a role. Before the quarter-final, Jodar had already endured two five-set matches and spent nearly 13 hours on court. By comparison, Zverev had progressed efficiently through the draw, losing only one set across his first four matches.
From the second set onward, the German dictated play with powerful groundstrokes and relentless consistency. Jodar struggled to maintain his earlier intensity as Zverev steadily increased his control of the contest.
The victory was sealed in emphatic fashion with a powerful forehand winner that underlined his dominance.
Zverev will now face either Jakub Mensik or Joao Fonseca in the semi-finals, with both players seeking their first appearance in the last four of a Grand Slam tournament.
