Alexander Zverev is now one win away from clinching his first Grand Slam title after reaching the 2026 French Open final.
The German defeated Jakub Mensik in four sets on Friday to book his place in a fourth career major final, 7-5, 6-2, 3-6, 6-3.
Ever since the exits of Jannik Sinner and Novak Djokovic, Zverev has been the overwhelming favourite to hoist the Roland Garros title.
Prove me wrong – Alexander Zverev WILL win Roland Garros now
With the pressure on his shoulders, the world number three has hardly put a foot wrong, dropping just two sets en route to the championship match.
Following the triumph over Mensik, Zverev has just matched an unwanted record previously held by David Ferrer, but it could all change in two days.
Alexander Zverev matches David Ferrer’s record after latest win
According to Opta Ace, Zverev has now equalled Ferrer’s record for the most wins in men’s singles at Roland Garros of any player in the Open Era not to win the tournament, with 44.
Who is the best ATP player never to win a Grand Slam title?
Is it Alexander Zverev, Marcelo Rios, Tomas Berdych, David Ferrer or maybe even someone else?
In eight of the last nine seasons, Zverev has made at least the quarterfinals of the French Open, including three semifinal finishes and one run to the final.
He reached the championship match in 2024, but fell to Carlos Alcaraz in five sets.
Zverev and Ferrer lead the all-time list, with Gael Monfils (40), Jimmy Connors (40) and Andy Murray (39) trailing.
But should Zverev emerge victorious in Sunday’s final, his name will officially be removed from that list.
Alexander Zverev’s record in Grand Slam finals
On three separate occasions, Zverev has been one win away from finally getting rid of the ‘greatest player never to win a major’ title many fans and pundits have assigned to him.
His first appearance in a major final came at the 2020 US Open, where he faced Dominic Thiem for the trophy.
Zverev went up two sets in that match, but the Austrian fought back to deny him and hoist his maiden major title.
The next opportunity for Zverev was at the 2024 French Open, and his most recent chance was at the 2025 Australian Open, where he ultimately fell to Jannik Sinner.
In the 2026 Roland Garros final, Zverev will take on either Flavio Cobolli or Matteo Arnaldi.
Receive exclusive tennis news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
