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FIFA World Cup 2026 posterZverev beats Jodar to edge closer to first grand slam
Eleanor Crooks • June 3rd, 2026 8:15 am
Alexander Zverev | Photo: PA
Alexander Zverev has cemented his status as French Open favourite by ruthlessly ending the challenge of teenager Rafael Jodar.
The 19-year-old Spaniard has been one of the stories of the tournament with his run to the quarter-finals on his debut at Roland Garros.
But he will not be emulating famous namesake Rafael Nadal by winning the title on his debut, with second seed Zverev easing to a 7-6 (7-3) 6-1 6-3 victory.
In the absence of the injured Carlos Alcaraz and with both world No. 1 Jannik Sinner and 24-times grand slam winner Novak Djokovic eliminated the German will surely never have a better chance to break his grand slam duck cafter three runners-up finishes.
However, he insisted he had already won something that mattered more to him.
Jodar began brightly, showing his talent, before Zverev took control
It was a match too far for Spanish teenager Rafael Jodar but his chance will come again | Photo: AP
Asked if he would trade the gold medal he won at the Tokyo Olympics five years ago, Zverev said: "No chance. The gold medal for me is the most difficult thing to win, because you get a chance once every four years.
"It's special in a way that there are so few people that have done it. I think you do it for your country. You do it for the people back home, but I wouldn't mind to add a few things to my list as well."
Zverev has shown in the past a tendency to be too passive when opportunities arise, and it appeared the same thing might be happening when he trailed Jodar 5-2 in the opening set.
But, after Zverev hit back to level, it was largely one-way traffic, with the 29-year-old clinching victory after two hours and 29 minutes.
Zverev made 80 per cent of his first serves and sealed his spot in a fifth Roland Garros semi-final with a thumping forehand winner down the line.
The world No.3, who is guaranteed to face another young gun next with Joao Fonseca meeting Jakub Mensik in Tuesday's night session, said: "I feel like today was a very tough test against a very good player and I managed.
"Of course I'm happy to be in the semi-finals and, for now, that's it. I just want to keep going."
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