Alexander Zverev has moved to within touching distance of a long-coveted maiden grand slam title, as the German fought past 26th seed Jakub Mensik 7-5 6-2 3-6 6-3 to reach the French Open final again.
In the final, he'll play rising Italian star Flavio Cobolli, who advanced to the championship match later on Friday when his compatriot, world no.104 Matteo Arnaldi, had to withdraw due to a virus.
Zverev has been an overwhelming favourite for the title ever since world No.1 Jannik Sinner struggled in the first week's heat wave in Paris, bowing out after wasting a two-set and 5-1 lead against Juan Manuel Cerundolo in the second round.
