ATP Tour

Mensik converts 7th MP, beats Fonseca to reach first major SF at Roland Garros

Jakub Mensik delivered the latest reminder of why he is regarded as one of the sport’s brightest young talents on Tuesday night at Roland Garros, where he overcame Joao Fonseca 6-4, 6-3, 7-6(3) to reach his first major semi-final.

In a clash between two of tennis’ most exciting prospects, the 20-year-old Mensik expertly absorbed and redirected Fonseca’s firepower to become the first man born in 2004 or later to reach the last four of a major tournament. Mensik commanded play from the baseline and transitioned forward with tremendous confidence to prevail after two hours and 33 minutes and continue his dream run in Paris.

The contest marked a significant milestone for both players, who were competing in their first major quarter-final. Yet it was Mensik who rose to the occasion, becoming the youngest Czech man in history to reach the semi-finals of a major.

“We started a little bit nervous, then at the end of the match, there were some incredible shots,” Mensik said in his on-court interview. “I’m super happy that I came back. In the third set, I was a couple of breaks down, so I’m happy I managed to stay focused and keep fighting until the end.”

After coming through the youngest Roland Garros men's quarter-final since 20-year-old Rafael Nadal defeated 19-year-old Novak Djokovic in 2006, Mensik can now turn his attention to a last-four meeting with second seed and 2024 finalist Alexander Zverev.

Fonseca arrived in the quarter-finals carrying momentum but also a heavy workload. The Brazilian had rallied from two sets down to stun Novak Djokovic in the third round before backing it up with a four-set victory over two-time finalist Casper Ruud, spending 14 hours and 29 minutes on court across his opening four matches.

That exertion may have contributed to a slow start on Tuesday evening. Fonseca sprayed three forehand errors in the fifth game to surrender an early break, while Mensik relied on his booming serve and disciplined baseline patterns to frustrate his opponent and establish a one-set advantage.

Mensik, who had also come through two five-setters en route to the last eight, maintained his authority in the second set, where he repeatedly moved forward to disrupt Fonseca's rhythm. The Czech showcased exquisite touch at the net, producing a string of deft drop volleys that left Fonseca with little answer.

While Fonseca earned praise for firing three consecutive aces to complete his dramatic victory against Djokovic earlier in the tournament, it was Mensik’s serve that stole the spotlight in Tuesday’s quarter-final. Despite dropping serve twice in a topsy turvy third set, the Czech was able to use his delivery to erase any danger.

Mensik quickly regained his footing and, although he let slip six match points in a dramatic return game at 6-5, he was able to clinch the tie-break and secure victory under a closed roof on Court Philippe-Chatrier.

"The last game and the tie-break were [some] of my best performances so far," Mensik said. "It was really tough to stay focused until the end. A couple of match points... I'm happy I managed to come back in the tie-break and still move my game a little forward."

Overall, Mensik won 83 per cent (54/65) points behind his first serve, according to Infosys Stats, and prevailed in 38 of 51 points when he advanced to the net.

Although Fonseca fell short of a maiden major semi-final, the #NextGenATP star will leave Paris with his head held high after a stunning breakthrough run. He has climbed five places to No. 25 in the PIF ATP Live Rankings, while semi-finalist Mensik is up seven spots to No. 20.

Zverev will take a 1-0 Lexus ATP Head2Head lead into Friday's semi-final clash with Mensik, with both players seeking to capitalise on an opportunity in a draw guaranteed to produce a first-time major champion.