In the 1920s, four French players came to define French tennis and set the stage for what we now know as Roland Garros. Together, these four Frenchmen broke the American stranglehold on the sport, specifically taking down the great Bill Tilden, and brought the Davis Cup to France for six consecutive years (1927–1932). Their dominance and influence were so great that what we’ve come to know as Roland Garros was built in 1928 specifically to host their Davis Cup defense on home soil.
These four men were René Lacoste (“The Crocodile”), Jean Borotra (“The Bounding Basque”), Henri Cochet (“The ball boy of Lyon”), and Jacques Brugnon (“Toto”). Today, the French Open trophy awarded to the men’s singles champion is called the Coupe des Mousquetaires in honor of these Musketeers.
Their conquests make for an interesting story. But that story will be told some other day.
Today! Today, we tell the story of another set of four brave warriors who have battled valiantly to become the four remaining at this year’s French Open. The story of this French Open has been told, and it has been an eventful one. We’ve had the sweltering heat that would make the Australian Open envious, which has contributed to a myriad shocking results. We’ve had a truly competitive tournament that has produced 30 five-set matches. And now, we’re down to the final four.
The Four Musketeers. Or better still, the veteran and the three musketeers.
2026 French Open Semifinalists
The Veteran
Time For Alexander Zverev
Bearing a name that could easily be borne by a Slavic warrior, the time has come for the world’s No. 3 to brave up and rise to the occasion. The Slavic warriors were known for their mobility, resilience, and adaptability, all features of Zverev’s game, but features that have so often been in short supply when it really mattered. The events of the past few weeks have left the German in a prime position to finally win his maiden Grand Slam. Some, including John McEnroe, believe that if the 28-year-old fails to get it done here, he’ll never win a Grand Slam.
The German is widely considered the best of the rest and has already endured the pain of losing three Grand Slam finals. The argument is that with all of Jannik Sinner, Carlos Alcaraz and Novak Djokovic out of the way, there’s no room for excuses, and the German has to get it done here. Many already consider him the greatest player never to have won a Slam, and while that might be seen as a compliment, for a player of Zverev’s status, it is a stain. A stain he must now wipe off.
The Three Musketeers
Flavourful Flavio Cobolli
A 24-year-old Italian was expected to impress in this French Open, but no one expected it to be the World No. 14. The young man has taken to this year’s event like a duck to water or like a musketeer on the battlefield. He’s been in control of virtually all his matches, losing only two sets all tournament. His comeback against Felix Auger-Aliassime was a testament to his resilience and growing belief. He now looks on course to make the finals as he goes into his semifinal as the favourite. Whatever happens from here on, it has been a tournament to remember as he also looks set to make his Top 10 debut, barring some further drama in the French capital. His victory also confirmed that we’d have an Italian in the final, no matter what.
Ice Cold Jakub Mensik
You’d be forgiven if somehow you’ve missed or not taken note of what Mensik has been doing all tournament. The young Czech has quietly gone about his business amidst all of the headlines and talking points. He even collapsed in his second-round match, but got back up to win in true musketeer style. However, the match that finally made everyone stop and notice him in this tournament was his straight-sets defeat of João Fonseca, who was himself having a brilliant campaign until then. His display was so ruthless and composed that it has left many fearing for Zverev as both are set to face off in the semis. The 20-year-old has also been bullish about his chances, saying he now believes he can win it all. True musketeer speak. Zverev better watch out.
Matteo Arnaldi: The Truly Unexpected Musketeer
While the other two players might have been some people’s fantasy picks to make it this far, you’d be hard-pressed to find anyone who predicted Matteo Arnaldi would. However, that is exactly what the player who started this tournament ranked 104 has done. He benefited from another injury to his compatriot Matteo Berrettini, who had to retire mid-match. But make no mistake, he has battled hard to get himself here. His exploits have now guaranteed that he will be well into the Top 40 by the time the updated draws are released. He will no doubt be the underdog in his semifinal match, and having already admitted to feeling tired following his exploits, making the final against his much fresher compatriot looks highly unlikely.
A Rousing Battle
The stage is set for a valiant fight to the finish come Friday, on historical ground forged by the exploits of the French’s finest warriors. Unfortunately, there is no French player in the midst of it all, but one would feel that the pioneers of this ground would approve of the four left to do battle. The hope or expectation is that the veteran comes through victorious, but if there’s one thing we’ve all learned over the past couple of weeks, it is that nothing is to be assumed and that all victories will be decided only on the Parisian clay courts.
Come the 7th of June, we will crown a new champion in the French capital. Home of the great Musketeers. Who that champion will be is anyone’s guess, but what no one will say is that whoever is crowned did not deserve it. Because, from the trials and tribulations, a befitting victor emerged.
Main Photo Credit: Mike Frey-Imagn Images
