Alexander Zverev Returns to French Open Final

This time, the opportunity for Zverev is wide open, especially since the fourth round. Sinner, as the favorite to win, was eliminated in the second round, followed by Novak Djokovic in the subsequent round. Meanwhile, Alcaraz, the champion for the past two years, is absent due to a right wrist injury.

“There is no doubt that winning a Grand Slam is a significant moment in a tennis player’s career. There are those who have it and those who do not. You must appreciate the perseverance of players who have tried for years but have failed,” said Zverev on the official tournament website.

Becoming the best NextGen athlete among his peers in 2018, Zverev emerged as a player capable of challenging Djokovic and Rafael Nadal, the two best tennis players of that time.

His potential should have been able to take him to the Grand Slam podium typically occupied by Djokovic or Nadal from 2018 to 2023. Moreover, in the ATP Tour competition, Zverev has 24 titles, including seven (out of 13 finals) from the ATP Masters 1000.

Zverev has repeatedly stated that he will win a Grand Slam. When Roger Federer retired in 2022, the German player even boldly claimed that he would be part of the “Big Three” alongside Nadal and Djokovic, to replace Federer.

However, instead of being champions and becoming the “Big Three,” new forces have emerged. Alcaraz and Sinner have surpassed Zverev, Stefanos Tsitsipas, Andrey Rublev, and other NextGen players. Currently, Alcaraz has seven Grand Slam titles and Sinner has four titles.

Zverev is also facing legal trouble for assaulting his ex-girlfriend. The trial for this case will take place in 2023-2024.

“A title would mean a lot to Zverev, his family, and the people around him. He’s done so much in his career, but he doesn’t have a Grand Slam title,” said former women’s singles player Caroline Wozniacki, an analyst for TNT.

If he wins, Zverev will become the seventh oldest men’s singles player to win his first Grand Slam title in the Open Era. He will be 29 years and 48 days old if he manages to lift the “The Musketeers” trophy, the symbol of the men’s singles champion of the French Open.

Above Zverev are Goran Ivanisevic, Rod Laver, Petr Korda, Andres Gomez, Ken Rosewall, and Andres Gimeno, who won their first Grand Slam titles at an “older” age. They were champions between the ages of 29 and 34.

For Mensik, the journey at Roland Garros 2026 provided him with many first-time experiences that he will carry into other tournaments. Despite his defeat, Mensik is grateful to have reached the semifinals for the first time in a Grand Slam event.

“I was able to showcase my best abilities and maintain my rhythm for two weeks, as well as defeat many top tennis players in the world. I gained a lot of experiences that I encountered for the first time,” said Mensik.

Meanwhile, Arnaldi said losing by walkover wasn’t what he wanted. “I wasn’t feeling well last night. I woke up at 1:00 a.m. and vomited. It just didn’t make sense to force myself to play,” Arnaldi said.

Cobolli, who had an easy victory over his friend, also found it difficult to accept the situation. “When he said that to me, I almost cried. I have great respect for Matteo,” said Cobolli.

Cobolli, who is the tenth seed, will play in a Grand Slam final for the first time. His best result in the highest level tournament in professional tennis was reaching the quarter-finals at Wimbledon 2025. (AP/AFP)