João Fonseca’s French Open Breakthrough Brought Buzz with Blistering Forehands and Brazilian Fans
- On Tuesday, June 2, 2026, 20-year-old Jakub Mensik defeated 19-year-old Joao Fonseca 6-4, 6-3, 7-6 on Court Philippe Chatrier to reach his first Grand Slam semifinal.
- Before this matchup, Fonseca arrived as the tournament's standout story, becoming the first Brazilian man to reach Paris quarterfinals since three-time champion Gustavo Kuerten in 2004.
- Mensik controlled the match with his serve, firing 11 aces and repeatedly stretching Fonseca; he converted five of 21 break-point chances while Fonseca managed just two.
- Surpassing compatriot Ivan Lendl, who reached the 1981 Paris semifinals at age 21, Mensik now advances to face second-seeded Alexander Zverev for a place in the final.
- The tournament draw has been scrambled with top players including Novak Djokovic, Jannik Sinner, and Carlos Alcaraz eliminated, positioning Mensik as the youngest Czech man to reach this stage in decades.
94 Articles
94 Articles
John McEnroe issues stark Alexander Zverev warning ahead of French Open semi-final
John McEnroe believes Alexander Zverev is facing the most important moment of his career, with the tennis legend warning that this year's French Open could shape the German's legacy forever.Zverev has moved into pole position to claim a maiden Grand Slam title after a dramatic series of exits transformed the men's draw at Roland Garros.The world No 3 progressed to the semi-finals with a straight-sets victory over Rafael Jodar and now finds himse…
In his three-set victory against Joao Fonseca in the French Open quarter final, Jakub Mensik acted like his fellow countryman Ivan Lendl.
From wheelchair and cramps to French Open 2026 semifinal, Jakub Mensik shows his mettle
A week ago, Czechia rising youngster Jakub Mensik was carried off the court in a wheelchair after falling to the turf due to cramps. A week later, the 20-year-old finds himself in the semifinals of the French Open. Mensik ended Joao Fonseca's stellar run at Roland Garros at the Philippe-Chatrier on Tuesday night, 6-4, 6-3, 7-6 (3) in two hours and 33 minutes to make his way into his first Major semifinal. He struggled big time in the first week …
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