Zverev sweeps past Spanish teenager Jódar to reach fifth French Open semifinal
Alexander Zverev dispatched rising star Rafael Jódar 7-6(3), 6-1, 6-3 to move within two wins of his first Grand Slam title at Roland Garros.
Zverev survives early scare to power through
Alexander Zverev faced his stiffest test of the tournament early on Court Philippe‑Chatrier, falling behind 2‑5 as 19‑year‑old Rafael Jódar played bold, aggressive tennis under the closed roof. The German, however, broke back when Jódar served for the set and then dominated the tie‑break, taking it 7‑3 after 68 minutes. From that moment, Zverev cruised, dropping only four more games.
That was the best performance from Sascha Zverev at this tournament.
The second set lasted just 34 minutes as Zverev’s backhand controlled the baseline rallies. Jódar, who had needed five sets in both of his previous two rounds, appeared mentally and physically drained. Zverev converted his first match point with a spectacular forehand after 2 hours and 25 minutes of play, celebrating with a clenched fist and a focused stare.
The making of Jódar’s surprising run
The Spaniard entered the tournament outside the top 700 a year earlier and had climbed to a career‑high ranking of 29. Nicknamed “Rafa” after his idol Rafael Nadal, Jódar had beaten experienced opponents on his way to the last eight. Against Zverev, however, the step up proved too steep once the German found his rhythm.
The way Jódar opens up the court, changes pace and sometimes plays down the line – Zverev didn’t expect that.
Rain leaking into the arena caused a brief disturbance among spectators in the first set, but play continued without interruption.
A clear path to the final
With Jannik Sinner eliminated in the second round, Novak Djokovic knocked out early, and Carlos Alcaraz sidelined by injury, Zverev now stands as the firm favorite for the title. The 29‑year‑old has lost three Grand Slam finals – at the US Open in 2020, the French Open in 2024 and the Australian Open in 2025 – and is chasing his 41st attempt at a major crown.
I want to win the matches ahead of me – that is my goal. I’m in the semifinals, but that’s it for now.
He also declared a broader intent after the match:
I want more, I want everything, this is my moment.
Next opponent: one of two 19‑year‑olds
In Friday’s semifinal, Zverev will face either João Fonseca of Brazil or Jakub Mensik of Czechia, both 19 or 20 years old. Their quarterfinal was slated for the evening session on Court Philippe‑Chatrier. Zverev said he planned to watch it from his hotel room, “maybe with a nice drink in my hand.”
