Rising Czech star Jakub Menšík continued his breakthrough run at the French Open, defeating Brazilian teenager João Fonseca in straight sets to secure a maiden Grand Slam semifinal berth at Roland Garros.
The 20-year-old produced a composed display to overcome the 19-year-old Fonseca 6-4, 6-3, 7-6(3) in a highly anticipated clash between two of the sport’s brightest young talents. The victory made Menšík the first male player born in 2005 or later to reach a Grand Slam semifinal.
Competing in his first major quarterfinal, Menšík handled the occasion impressively, matching Fonseca’s power from the baseline and maintaining his composure in crucial moments during the two-hour and 33-minute encounter.
“We started a little bit nervous, then at the end of the match there were some incredible shots,” Menšík said after the match. “I am super happy that I came back. In the third set, I was a couple of breaks down, so I am happy I managed to stay focused and keep fighting until the end.”
The win also saw Menšík become the youngest Czech man to reach a Grand Slam semifinal, marking another milestone in his rapid rise on the ATP Tour.
His quarterfinal victory followed what had already been the youngest French Open quarterfinal matchup since Rafael Nadal defeated Novak Djokovic in 2006.
Awaiting Menšík in the semifinals is second seed Alexander Zverev, who booked his place in the last four with a convincing 7-6(3), 6-1, 6-3 victory over Spanish teenager Rafael Jodar.
Zverev was forced to recover from a difficult start after trailing 2-5 in the opening set but found his rhythm to dominate the remainder of the contest. The German has now dropped just one set during his run to the semifinals.
“It was difficult,” Zverev said after the match. “He had perfect rhythm in the first set and I did not. My balls were very short, and I was very defensive.”
The 2024 French Open finalist praised Jodar’s early performance but credited his own resilience for turning the match around.
“He was playing amazing and outplayed me in the beginning of the first set, but I managed to come back. Then I took my chances well, and after that it was a good match for me.”
With Menšík and Zverev set to meet for a place in the final, Roland Garros is guaranteed another compelling chapter as youth and experience collide on the Paris clay.
