Alexander Zverev is heading back to the Roland Garros final for the second time in his career.
The world number three has been under a lot of pressure in Paris, but he has only dropped two sets en route to the final.
Since then, Zverev has had all eyes on him to deliver. He’s handled that weight well so far, dropping just two sets along the way.
After taking down Jakub Mensik 7-5, 6-2, 3-6, 6-3 he spoke during his on-court interview and made a comment about the French crowd.
Zverev didn’t sound upset though. In fact, he seemed to appreciate how engaged and vocal they were throughout his run to the final.
This will be Zverev’s second Grand Slam final appearance. The first was at Roland Garros last year when he lost in five sets to Sinner.
Everything Zverev said after beating Mensik
Speaking after the win, Zverev spoke highly of the 18-year-old who was making his Grand Slam semi-final debut.
“Amazing the way he played this last two weeks,” Zverev said about Mensik. “He beat so many unbelievable players and I knew it was going to be the toughest challenge I had had so far. I managed, I won, I am happy.”
Zverev looked on course for a straight-sets victory before Mensik found another gear in the third set following a medical timeout. It’s only one of two sets Zverev has dropped during his run in Paris this year, and he continued to give credit to Mensik.
“He started playing amazingly in the third set,” continued Zverev. “He really stepped up another level, but this is a Grand Slam and best of five set matches.
Zverev was then asked about how much he likes the French crowd on Court Philippe-Chatrier.
“I think the atmosphere here is always amazing,” added Zverev. “The French crowd is always very into their tennis and it’s such a historic event. I just enjoy playing on such a beautiful court.”
This year’s Roland Garros has seen quite a few players struggle physically, including Mensik. So naturally, Zverev was asked if he considers tennis to be the toughest sport around.
“The toughest but in some way also the nicest because you know anything can happen at any given moment and you can always find a way,” answered Zverev.
How Alexander Zverev has performed in Grand Slam finals
This is the fourth time Zverev has reached a Grand Slam final, and he is still looking for his first win at this stage.
Zverev has lost all three of his previous finals, including the 2024 Roland Garros final, where he was two sets to one up against Carlos Alcaraz before losing in five sets.
His next test comes against an Italian opponent, but it won’t be Sinner as many had anticipated.
Instead, Flavio Cobolli will be waiting across the net after Matteo Arnaldi withdrew from their semi-final due to illness.
Read more:
