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Jakub Mensik will face Alexander Zverev in the semi-finals after seeing off Joao Fonseca
Flo Clifford at Roland Garros & Jamie BraidwoodTuesday 02 June 2026 23:37 BST- Bookmark
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Jakub Mensik says:
“Joao is a great guy and a great competitior. Before the match I knew it would be a tough one.
“We started a little nervous. At the end of the match, there were some incredible shots and I am super happy I was the one who came back. I managed to stay focused and keep fighting until the end.
“It was really tough to stay focused until the end and I had match points, I am really happy that I managed to come back in the tie-break and move my game a little bit forward.”
Flo Clifford2 June 2026 23:37Jakub Mensik outlasts Joao Fonseca in battle of new stars but greater test awaits
In a battle of two youngsters heavily tipped to challenge leading lights Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner, it was Jakub Mensik who outlasted younger opponent Joao Fonseca to book a place in his first grand slam semi-final.
The match in some ways mimicked those early clashes between Alcaraz and Sinner: the flashy, much-hyped, pure shotmaker and entertainer against the more brutal, clinical, machine-like opponent. And in this case it was the precise serving of Mensik – coupled with a delicate touch at the net – that prevailed over the more spectacular, but equally more erratic, tennis of his 19-year-old challenger.
The Czech sped through the first two sets before a sudden drop-off in the third, with Fonseca pulling ahead only to be pegged back several times and eventually falling 6-4 6-3 7-6(3) – having saved six match points along the way.
Jakub Mensik outlasts Joao Fonseca in battle of new stars but greater test awaits
The Czech appeared to struggle with a left leg issue and has spent four hours more on court than his semi-final opponent, Alexander ZverevFlo Clifford2 June 2026 23:32GAME, SET AND MATCH! TIE-BREAK! Jakub Mensik 6-4, 6-3, 6-6 (7-3) Joao Fonseca
It’s that ridiculous cross-court drop shot that stands him in good stead again, after another ridiculous rally, and Jakub Mensik is through to the semi-finals!
The pair share a warm hug at the net. Quite the match.
Flo Clifford2 June 2026 22:20TIE-BREAK! Jakub Mensik 6-4, 6-3, 6-6 (6-3) Joao Fonseca
Mensik’s serve is firing nicely and he keeps ahead at 6-3. More match points...
Flo Clifford2 June 2026 22:17TIE-BREAK! Jakub Mensik 6-4, 6-3, 6-6 (4-2) Joao Fonseca
A lethal serve down the T has Mensik just about ahead, although he can’t keep a tricky serve out wide by Fonseca within the lines.
Flo Clifford2 June 2026 22:15TIE-BREAK! Jakub Mensik 6-4, 6-3, 6-6 (2-0) Joao Fonseca
Fonseca goes long on the first exchange, then tries to get the better of Mensik with a drop shot - but the Czech just about gets there before it dies and the cross-court reply is too much for Fonseca.
Flo Clifford2 June 2026 22:13TIE-BREAK! Jakub Mensik 6-4, 6-3, 6-6 Joao Fonseca
Just brilliant from the 19-year-old, who floats up to the net and palms a delicate backhand drop shot right onto the line. Another game point.... and Mensik, going for the down the line backhand, hits the net!
Flo Clifford2 June 2026 22:11Jakub Mensik 6-4, 6-3, 6-5 Joao Fonseca*
But the second is good, and the next forehand is even better! Seventh deuce.
Flo Clifford2 June 2026 22:09Jakub Mensik 6-4, 6-3, 6-5 Joao Fonseca*
Fonseca has his head in his hands as he gets to a net volley but whacks it into the tape. A sixth match point for the Czech.
The crowd cheer and applaud the young Brazilian... first serve is well wide.
Flo Clifford2 June 2026 22:09Jakub Mensik 6-4, 6-3, 6-5 Joao Fonseca*
Fonseca clips the line with a cross-court forehand and has game point of his own.
Mensik attacks a second serve and Fonseca blinks first, thumping into the net. Sixth deuce.
Flo Clifford2 June 2026 22:08Newer1 / 9OlderMore about
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