Alexander Zverev needed just two hours and seventeen minutes to dispatch Rafael Jódar in the Roland-Garros quarterfinals on Tuesday. The final score read 7-6(3), 6-1, 6-3, sending the German into his fourth French Open semifinal.
The opening set provided the only real drama. Trailing 2-5, Zverev found his range and clawed back to force a tiebreak, which he dominated 7-3. From there, the world number two was imperious, dropping just five games across the final two sets.
In his post-match press conference, Zverev was relaxed and reflective. Asked about the mounting pressure at each Grand Slam, he referenced Roger Federer with a smile: "Sometimes facing him, I felt like I didn't know how to play tennis." When asked whether he would trade his Olympic gold medal for a Grand Slam title, his response was emphatic: "No chance. I would never trade my Olympic gold."
Seven-time Grand Slam champion John McEnroe believes the pressure on Zverev has never been greater. With no former men's singles champion remaining in the draw, the opportunity is historic. Zverev has dropped just one set all tournament, a testament to his consistency and form.
Next up is , the 20-year-old Czech who ousted João Fonseca in the quarterfinals. The pair met earlier this season on clay in Madrid, where Zverev prevailed in three sets. Thursday's semifinal promises a compelling generational clash.
