Zverev puts on a display against Jódar and advances to the Roland Garros semifinals

Pedro de Pablos | 2 Jun 2026 | 16.30

Zverev gives an exhibition against Jódar and advances to Roland Garros semifinals. Source: Getty Images

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Alexander Zverev put on a true exhibition in the quarterfinals of Roland Garros 2026 against Rafa Jódar, defeating him with a score of 7-6(3) 6-1 6-3 in just two hours and 26 minutes of play. One of those matches that can be seen as a statement from the German tennis player, who is aiming to make history in Paris after many years knocking on the door.

Following the withdrawal of Carlos Alcaraz and the defeats of Jannik Sinner and Novak Djokovic, Zverev shoulders the pressure of being the top favorite to lift his first Grand Slam title. However, that pressure was hardly noticeable as he approached excellence against one of the current big names. Rafa Jódar, on his part, will have to learn from this loss and continue evolving as he had been doing so far, given his remarkable progress as a tennis player.

Jódar lets a very painful first set slip away

The match started with both players having break opportunities, although they relied on their serves to get out of a tricky situation. A long battle was anticipated (which did not materialize later), as with only two games played, the match had already lasted 18 minutes. Jódar showed courage and confidence from the start, resulting in a break that put him ahead on the scoreboard and set him on track to claim the first set with a 5-2 lead.

However, contrary to his usual self, the Spanish player struggled when serving to close the set, making several unforced errors that gave Zverev a lifeline when he needed it most. In this fashion, the tiebreak was reached after an hour, and there, 'Sascha' drew on his experience and the solidity that defines him to secure the fiercely contested opening set.

Zverev's absolute clinic to overwhelm Jódar

Losing the first set proved to be too much for Jódar to handle and a huge relief for Zverev, who unleashed his best shots to break the Spaniard's serve. The German player completely dismantled Rafa's game. While Zverev's dominance with his backhand is usually evident, this time, even his forehand seemed unassailable. Such was the tennis display in the second set that he once again broke the Madrid native's serve, sealing a 6-1 victory that put the match entirely in his favor.

If the scoreboard was concerning, the dynamics of the match were even more so, as everything went Zverev's way. Hardly missing any shots, he started the third set by breaking once again. It looked very dark. Jódar resisted to prevent the German's lead from growing further, but he was helpless against his opponent's relentless attacks. Despite having a breakpoint to level it at 4-4, 'Sascha' served remarkably to avoid complications.

In fact, the German player closed the match in grand style, with another break thanks to a monumental forehand on the run that sealed his victory and shattered Jódar's dream in Paris. For now, Zverev is right where he wants to be, just two wins away from achieving that elusive Grand Slam title that has eluded him throughout his career. In the semifinals, he will face the winner of tonight's match between Joao Fonseca and Jakub Mensik.

This news is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, Zverev da una exhibición ante Jódar y se mete en semifinales de Roland Garros

ATP