Alexander Zverev beats Jakub Mensik to return to French Open final

Alexander Zverev moved a step closer to his maiden Grand Slam title, as the German defeated 26th seed Jakub Mensik 7-5, 6-2, 3‑6, 6-3 on Friday to reach the French Open final again.

The 29-year-old has reached three major finals in the past, including a Roland Garros two years ago. But this time, he has looked sharp throughout the tournament in Paris.

Zverev will take on the winner of the all-Italian clash between 10th seed Flavio Cobolli and Matteo Arnaldi.

"I knew that it would be my toughest challenge. I managed it and I won, so I'm happy," said Zverev, who became only the fifth active player to reach multiple Roland Garros title clashes.

"It's amazing the way he (Mensik) played these last two weeks, he beat so many unbelievable players. He started playing amazing in the third set, stepping up his level, but this is a Grand Slam with best-of-five-set matches.

"Things happen and your opponents will play better. You have to deal with it. I hope to play another great match on Sunday."

A competitive opening set on a sun-kissed Court Philippe Chatrier went Zverev's way when he produced a backhand crosscourt winner in the 11th game to bring up a break point, and he took a lead with a delicate shot that Mensik sent into the net.

Alexander Zverev sent down a powerful ace to win the first set and

The world number three sent down a powerful ace to pocket the first set and took control of the second set with an early break, as the 20-year-old Mensik's level briefly dipped in his maiden Grand Slam semi-final.

Mensik sat with a towel over his head during a changeover and when he returned, his troubles deepened when Zverev enhanced his game intensity and sealed a double break, before comfortably doubling his lead in the match.

Czech Mensik took a long medical timeout for a neck issue and when he restarted, he broke for a 4-2 lead en route to securing the third set, but Zverev powered through the next with no drama to prevail.