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 without playing after fellow Italian Matteo Arnaldi withdrew before their semi-final because of a viral illness that caused vomiting and dizziness.
- Tournament fatigue and medical issues reshaped the draw as Arnaldi had logged nearly 20 hours on court, Matteo Berrettini retired in the quarters with a hip problem, and Menšík required a medical timeout and had earlier collapsed in the heat.
- Zverev is chasing his first Grand Slam title after three previous final defeats and enters the final as the clear favourite; he leads Cobolli in their head‑to‑head meetings.
- Cobolli’s unexpected extra rest could affect the final’s dynamic and Italy’s deep runs this fortnight mark a notable national breakthrough with one of its players guaranteed a place in the championship match.