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Zverev Reaches French Open Final as Cobolli Advances After Arnaldi Withdrawal

Zverev is the clear favourite for his first major after late-stage illnesses and long matches reshaped the men’s draw

Overview

  • Alexander Zverev beat Jakub Menšík 7-5, 6-2, 3-6, 6-3 on Friday to reach his fourth Grand Slam final and his second at Roland Garros.
  • Flavio Cobolli reached his first major final by walkover after Matteo Arnaldi withdrew before their semi-final because of a viral illness that caused vomiting overnight.
  • Jakub Menšík required a medical timeout for a neck issue in the semi-final and had needed a wheelchair after collapsing from cramps earlier in the tournament, underscoring the physical toll players endured.
  • Matteo Arnaldi logged an unusually high amount of on-court time en route to the semis and had advanced when Matteo Berrettini retired with a hip problem in the quarter-final.
  • With top seeds out and late withdrawals changing matchups, Sunday’s final pairs an experienced favourite who has lost three past major finals against a rested first-time finalist, a matchup that reflects how injuries and fatigue have shaped this Roland Garros.