An incomparable Mensik soars at Chatrier and sinks Fonseca

Andrés Tomás Rico | 2 Jun 2026 | 23.23

An immeasurable Mensik soars at Chatrier and sinks Fonseca. Photo: Gettyimages

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With a clean blow, Jakub Mensik advances to the semifinals of Roland Garros 2026. The Czech, who played a very complete match from start to finish, beats Joao Fonseca (6-4, 6-3, 7-6(3)) as the conditions (nighttime and indoors) and his tennis deserted him in the most important match of his career to date. Consequently, Mensik will face Alexander Zverev for a spot in the Parisian final.

A duel that could very well define the career of both contenders. A historic opportunity in the first quarterfinals of a Grand Slam for both of them. Night session at Philippe Chatrier and the fight for a place in the Roland Garros semifinals. Thus, the match had all the ingredients for a great battle.

The paths of these two youngsters in this Parisian Grand Slam will be remembered. Fonseca, on one hand, came back from two sets down against Dino Prizmic and even against Novak Djokovic. Mensik, on the other hand, faced an agonizing five-hour battle against Mariano Navone and also had to go to five sets to defeat Andrey Rublev. Therefore, both arrived with many hours on their backs, but with a learning experience not found in books.

How Jakub Mensik defeated Joao Fonseca in the quarterfinals of Roland Garros 2026

The match has the usual nerves in such a situation, but the Czech comes out with a bit more composure, making the most of his main weapon, his powerful serves. Meanwhile, knowing that lengthy exchanges with a hard hitter like Fonseca are not in his favor and with the conditions heavier due to the cold and the roof, he employs many flat shots that catch the Brazilian off guard, who feels uncomfortable and loses his service in the fifth game.

Mensik, who since that flash a year ago in Miami, has struggled through the rest of the tournaments, has found his best tennis on the Parisian clay. He learned to endure in his first week and now simply flows on Philippe Chatrier, following clear instructions, while the Brazilian falters, rushes, and his forehand, that which instills fear, is more error-prone than usual.

Mensik's Overwhelming Dominance

Mensik takes the first set (6-4), with no concessions on his serve and unaffected by the Brazilian fans who cheer relentlessly for Fonseca wherever he goes. He does not falter even when Rio de Janeiro's own goes 0-30 up in a game at the start of the second set, as he neutralizes the attempt with four aces, gradually diminishing the young carioca's momentum.

To the point that from 40-0 in Fonseca's service game, the Czech does not give up, wins a point and then another, while Joao, lacking the inspiration of other days, dwindles, and Mensik breaks him for the second time, in the same game as the first set. It seems that nothing and no one in this match can stop him. He knows there will be a new Grand Slam champion this Roland Garros - why not him?

He also claims the second set (6-3), and alarms go off for Fonseca. He is on the brink of elimination, as he was against Dino Prizmic and Novak Djokovic. Yet, the control Mensik is exerting proves difficult for the Brazilian to handle. From being on the doorstep of a Roland Garros semifinal entry, Fonseca is now one set away from elimination.

Mensik gets the win on his 7th match point 👊#RolandGarros pic.twitter.com/V2WeEKAc90
— Roland-Garros (@rolandgarros) June 2, 2026

Fonseca Reacts, But Too Late

However, three double faults in the first game of the third set give Fonseca a lifeline, and the Czech, who has been playing a flawless match up to this point, falters. A door opens for the Brazilian, especially when Mensik starts feeling certain physical discomforts, almost closing it himself as he also surrenders his serve. Nevertheless, the momentum has shifted, the Czech's serve is no longer as formidable, and the South American breaks once more.

The intensity and skill displayed in the first two sets by Mensik begin to weigh on him; he struggles to move, and his expression shows some concern. Fonseca serves to close the set but simply can't find his rhythm, and at the fifth opportunity, the Czech breaks back and levels to 5-5. Tension fills the air: either Mensik closes it out, or Fonseca brings it to a fourth set.

The European's dip was a mere mirage because his serve picks up again, and the Brazilian, despite his efforts and attempts to rally the crowd, fails to find inspiration. He saves one, two, three, four, five, and even six match points, fighting to stay in Paris, but destiny is already written; Mensik remains composed and on the seventh match point, says enough. He concludes with Joao Fonseca (6-4, 6-3, 7-6(3)) in a very complete and serious match, silencing Chatrier and setting up a clash with Alexander Zverev in the semifinals of Roland Garros 2026. Nobody expected him, but here he is: Jakub Mensik and his serve aiming for the Parisian Grand Slam.

This news is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, Un Mensik inconmensurable vuela en la Chatrier y hunde a Fonseca

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