Zverev vs – Alexander Zverev fought back after a wobble against Jakub Mensik to secure his place in the 2026 French Open men’s singles final, where he will face Flavio Cobolli. Cobolli reached the decider after Matteo Arnaldi withdrew less than an hour before their semifi
Alexander Zverev did not walk into the French Open final feeling comfortable. He had to earn it the hard way, surviving a match that swung from command to chaos and back again.
The No. 2 seed opened against No. 26 seed Jakub Mensik by edging the first set 7-5. He then rode the momentum into a dominant 6-2 second set. Mensik was forced to take a medical timeout with the match seeming to slip away from him. For a moment, it looked like control had fully switched to Zverev.
Then the third set changed shape. Mensik’s chances revived with a turnaround that produced an impressive comeback—one that Zverev couldn’t smooth over. The third set went to the comeback rather than the opener, with Mensik securing it 6-3.
Zverev steadied the match after that. After a hard-fought fourth set, he regained his composure and ultimately proved too much for Mensik, taking the semifinal to earn the first spot in the finals and move one step closer to a maiden Grand Slam title.
In the other half of the draw, the final opponent arrived through a disruption rather than a grind. Flavio Cobolli advanced to his first Grand Slam final after Matteo Arnaldi was forced to withdraw from their semifinal match due to a viral illness less than an hour before he was set to play. In a press conference on Friday. June 5. Arnaldi said he didn’t know what caused the illness but that after a sleepless night spent vomiting. he had no choice but to end his bid for the major title.
At the same time, the women’s side carried its own emotional weight. World No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka vented frustration after a stunning French Open collapse and candidly admitted she wants to quit tennis following her defeat.
The men’s singles final is set for Sunday, June 7, with Flavio Cobolli facing Zverev.
Sunday’s schedule lists the championship match—Flavio Cobolli vs. No. 2 Alexander Zverev—at 9 a.m. ET on TNT and TruTV. Turner Sports is delivering the French Open coverage this year, with viewers able to watch live on TNT and truTV, and stream every match via Sling or HBO Max.
Alexander Zverev Flavio Cobolli Jakub Mensik Matteo Arnaldi viral illness withdrawal French Open 2026 men’s singles final TNT truTV Sling HBO Max
Wait so Mensik was up and then just… got hurt? Tennis is wild.
Zverev “chaos to chaos” or whatever, sounds like they didn’t even practice lol. Also 9 a.m. ET on TNT and truTV?? who even watches that early.
The article says Arnaldi had a viral illness and was vomiting, but it’s crazy they didn’t just postpone? Like couldn’t he have taken meds and played later? Makes no sense to me.
Zverev looked uncomfortable the whole time? I swear these guys always say that right before they lose a set. Cobolli somehow makes the final because Arnaldi got “viral illness” which could be anything… then Sabalenka wants to quit too?? Next thing you know they’re all done. I’m just saying.