TENNIS – ALEXANDER Zverev will carry mounting expectations into today’s French Open semi-final against dangerous Czech Jakub Mensik, as the second seed aims to close in on an elusive Grand Slam title after shock exits opened up the draw for him.
In the second semi-final, two Italians will look to sparkle, with 10th seed Flavio Cobolli facing Matteo Arnaldi, as both players chase a rare Grand Slam opportunity in uncharted territory.
What began with defending champion Carlos Alcaraz’s injury withdrawal has turned into a tournament of surprises with world number one Jannik Sinner and 24-times Grand Slam winner Novak Djokovic losing to leave Zverev as the most established title contender.
Zverev, the 2020 Tokyo Olympic gold medallist and twice ATP Finals champion, has never won a Grand Slam title despite final appearances at the US Open, French Open and Australian Open, with Paris now offering the German his clearest opportunity.
“I don’t particularly care,” the 29-year-old Zverev said about his elevation as the overwhelming favourite for the Musketeers’ Cup.
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