The first men’s French Open semifinal match is set to be a high-powered affair, and the winner is likely favored in the final. But who will advance to the final? As always, our writers share their thoughts on the match. Who do you think will move on? Will Alexander Zverev reach another Major final? Or will Jakub Mensik find a way into his first?
French Open Semifinal Predictions
Alexander Zverev vs Jakub Mensik
Ateet:
Both players played their best match of the tournament in the quarterfinal, defeating their opponents in straight sets. Alexander Zverev started slowly, just like his fourth-round match, but crawled his way back in time and then never looked back. His serve and forehand were firing, and if he can keep up the intensity behind his forehand, he will be very difficult to stop. Jakub Mensik is a similar level of server and can make the match close if he maintains a high first serve percentage. However, Zverev’s experience at this stage and the fact that he is much fresher of the two give him the advantage.
Prediction: Zverev in 4
Amanda:
Alexander Zverev and Jakub Mensik possess extremely similar gamestyles, with big serves and strong backhands being their strengths. Mensik has shown skill on the forehand side as well and managed to shut down Joao Fonseca’s forehand in the quarterfinals. The forehand, along with his movement, is what Mensik has to take advantage of if he wants to win this match. However, Zverev has the advantage of experience on his side, and despite the pressure of being the favorite at this tournament, he doesn’t tend to struggle with that in the semifinals. Unless Mensik can consistently serve lights-out, this is Zverev’s match to lose.
Prediction: Zverev in 4
Jordan:
There will undoubtedly be some nerves for Mensik, but most of the pressure is on Zverev. He will likely never get a better chance to win that elusive maiden Grand Slam. However, I have a feeling Mensik will triumph. The Czech served outstandingly against Joao Fonseca, and he rarely loses rhythm with that shot when he gets on a roll during a tournament. If Mensik serves well, Zverev will put himself in danger if he repeats his mistake of being too passive in these big matches.
Prediction: Mensik in 4
Nurein:
Mensik is having a breakout Grand Slam tournament and he’s the Next Gen graduate who appears likely to win a Major title very soon. But at this stage of the tournament, I start to question his fitness. He struggled with cramps earlier in the tournament. Zverev is inching ever closer to that first Grand Slam title and he’s been playing with grit in the past week. Now, I genuinely think he can win it. If the German continues to stay solid behind that first serve and puts Mensik under pressure on the return and forces the Czech into those lengthy, punishing rallies, then he should have the upper hand.
Prediction: Zverev in 4
Harsh:
Mensik looked solid against Fonseca but the Czech did look tired at times. He has played a lot this tournament while Zverev has coasted through. Zverev has hardly put a foot wrong this tournament and he definitely is the favorite to win his first major. Expect Mensik to maybe win a set but Zverev looks really solid and he should out play Mensik from the baseline.
Prediction: Zverev in 4
Main Photo Credit: Mike Frey-Imagn Images
