PARIS, June 2 -- Jakub Mensik battled past Brazilian breakout star Joao Fonseca 6-4, 6-3, 7-6(3) to reach the French Open semifinals, becoming the youngest Czech man to achieve that feat at a Grand Slam.
While Fonseca fell, fellow teenager Mirra Andreeva returned to the semifinals with a 6-0, 6-3 win over Sorana Cirstea. The 20-year-old Mensik, who collapsed on court earlier in the tournament, booked a clash with title favorite Alexander Zverev.
Mensik said he stayed focused despite wasting six match points, eventually winning the tiebreak. He was mentored by Novak Djokovic.
Andreeva said she believes destiny is guiding her, a year after a tearful quarterfinal exit. She now faces Marta Kostyuk, who beat Elina Svitolina in an all-Ukrainian clash.
The Kostyuk-Andreeva match unfolds against the backdrop of the war in Ukraine, with Kostyuk criticizing Russian players for their silence on the conflict.
Zverev, seeking his first Grand Slam title, defeated Rafael Jodar 7-6(3), 6-1, 6-3 to reach the semifinals.