Key events

22m ago Alexander Zverev claims the opening set versus Rafael Jodar 7-6(3)
2h ago Marta Kostyuk (15) defeats Elina Svitolina (7) 6-2 2-6 6-2
2h ago Elina Svitolina captures the second set from Marta Kostyuk 6-2
3h ago Kostyuk secures the first set against Svitolina 6-3
4h ago Mirra Andreeva (8) overcomes Sorana Cirstea (18) 6-0 6-3
5h ago Preamble

I worry Jodar has used his best chances, with Zverev controlling play as the younger player scrambles and falls to 0-30. Yet look at that, a stunning backhand down the line cuts the deficit, though he nets to reach 30-40 ... and Zverev sends one long, bringing deuce. Jodar then produces a leaping forehand winner down the line ... only to net once more, struggling now to connect strong points, pushing a forehand wide then another into the tape, so Zverev leads 7-6 3-1. Recovery looks distant.

Jodar holds easily to love for 6-7 1-1. Questions remain about his stamina after two five-setters to reach this stage; he appears fresh now, though Zverev strikes with greater ease and power. At 40-30 an ace gets called back after mark inspection; Jodar fails to take advantage, netting the second serve return, so Zverev leads 7-6 2-1.

Jodar reaches 0-30; Zverev wins the next four points to take 7-6 1-0 via a powerful forehand down the line.

Alexander Zverev wins the first set against Rafael Jodar 7-6(3)

Jodar broke early and competed strongly, yet Zverev improved and took charge in the tiebreak.

Then Jodar overhits a forehand and gets caught forward, a ball at his feet leading to a hurried drop shot that Zverev drills down the line. Three set points for Zverev.

Steady serving starts the tiebreak, but Jodar with room for a forehand down the line goes wide instead, as Zverev improves to 25-2 in Roland Garros tiebreakers. Jodar stays unfazed, using a backhand return and flat forehand to regain the mini-break at once, reaching 3-3 at the changeover.

At 15-40 Jodar charges forward after a drop shot and delivers a superb reply across the net. He follows by dumping a forehand, so at 6-6 a first-set tiebreaker begins.

From 40-0 Zverev fights back to deuce; tough moments for Jodar, who fails to capitalize on a backhand and watches the ball zip past, again facing break point. Zverev goes long this time, then an ace creates advantage before a poor drop shot into the tape lets Jodar hold for 6-5. This contest offers real entertainment with more intensity ahead.

Zverev holds to love and at 5-5 he appears settled against the fresh opponent and setting.

Jodar made his mark during the recent clay swing, defeating Borges, Arnaldi and Tien in Rome before a quarterfinal loss to Darderi; De Jong, De Minaur and Fonseca in Madrid, again exiting at the same stage to Sinner; and Norrie in Barcelona before a semifinal defeat to Fils. Three forehand mistakes hand Zverev three break points, which he converts first with a strong backhand followed by a matching forehand; Jodar leads 5-4 but serve returns to even.

Recall that versus Carreno Busta, Jodar took the first set then faded over the next two. This note cautions against expecting sustained high level yet also shows that competing this way against top opposition, building points around his strengths rather than relying on lucky shots, proves he belongs for the long term. Zverev holds for 5-3.

Jodar approaches the match with higher intensity than Zverev, who adjusts slowly to the new foe and plays cautiously under stress. The young player quickly reaches 40-0 with a forehand fired down the line and consolidates to 15 for 5-2, showing calm focus on his game plan.

Commentators note Zverev has looked off since Sinner exited, with pressure mounting. Regardless, after two strong points from Jodar produce winners, Zverev falls to 0-30 then errs wide to give two break chances. A big serve saves one, a backhand down the line opens space, and Jodar rips a forehand into it to lead 4-2. He clearly enjoys the moment, spreading that energy.

Regarding Fonseca, he planned to join Jodar at the University of Virginia but chose to turn pro late. That pairing would have strengthened the team, similar to tales of early talents like Mark Hughes and Norman Whiteside overpowering age-group opponents physically and skillfully. Back on court, mutual holds, Jodar to love, give him a 3-2 lead in the first, adapting smoothly to this new level, venue and opponent as if routine. It is anything but routine; he shows exceptional talent.

Jodar holds more quickly and shows no intimidation from the unfamiliar setting. Remarkably, months ago discussion centered on when a slam might go to someone outside Alcaraz or Sinner; here not only will this event crown a debut champion, but Jodar, Fonseca, Mensik and Cobolli progress rapidly, with the first two certain to contest majors once the top pair returns.

Zverev saves two break points at 15-40, the match already feeling like a marathon. He holds after multiple deuces, the opening two games lasting 17 minutes, leveling at 1-1 in the first set.

A recent anecdote about Zverev: During the event a rival coach sat on a locker-room sofa when Zverev's father approached apologetically, asking if he could move since Sascha prefers that spot. The coach agreed, after which the father placed a towel, running shoes, tennis shoes, flip-flops and water bottle there. Two hours later Zverev arrived and paid no attention to the setup.

At 30-40 Jodar slides in for a drop shot and flicks a winner down the line, then powerful baseline exchanges mixed with softer shots create advantage. Closing takes time, yet after eight minutes of rallies the 19-year-old leads 1-0.

How might this unfold? Coach Calv observes: It is not an ideal stylistic matchup for Zverev. He sends many balls centrally and Jodar will punish them. Zverev likely possesses the experience to prevail but Jodar holds the weapons. Zverev first-serve percentage may prove decisive.

On TNT Jodar's friends are interviewed and it is hard to imagine how they stay composed watching. Last summer in an Ibiza club a Swiss fan and close friend of Fabian Schar described losing control with tears at Wembley when Newcastle defeated Liverpool for the League Cup.

Jodar's companions speak highly, calling him an excellent player and even better person. They dined together recently and focused on life topics rather than tennis, including matters back home in Madrid.

Jodar himself seems personable, composed with a winner mindset already in place. Watching how he manages this moment will be fascinating, and it starts now as he serves first.

Enough on Oor Marta, unrelated to Oor Maddy, as Zverev and Jodar appear on Chatrier, shifting focus to what promises an outstanding match.

That contest delivered entertainment, and each time Kostyuk speaks it reinforces her status as a blog favorite. Her style combines risk, joy, resilience and aggression, attacking freely while defending firmly. Previously she might have withdrawn after dropping the second set or forced shots under pressure, yet now she assesses the situation, identifies requirements and follows her plan confidently. She blossoms impressively.

After composing herself, Marion offers comfort and Svitolina reflects on the historic encounter following another hard night in Kyiv with losses reported. I dedicate this match to the Ukrainian people and their strength, she states, the achievement shadowed by ongoing sorrow.

Applause follows and Kostyuk, visibly moved, praises Svitolina's influence on Ukrainian tennis, herself and viewers. She expresses happiness at reaching the semis while thanking her opponent for the battle.

On the match she notes missing an early third-set point, glancing at coach Sandra Zaniewska who appeared very displeased, a rare sight, prompting adjustment. The first two sets proved challenging with insufficient aggression, but rhythm returned and commitment paid off. I considered how to play to win the tournament, and this approach succeeded.

Regarding a new champion this year she acknowledges the distance remaining with two matches left, yet conveys belief and excitement for Thursday.

Asked about practicing her backflip, performed after Madrid success, she says no need since it was done recently and will attempt it again only upon winning a slam.

She adds that she and Svitolina run foundations supporting Ukrainian tennis and hopes for continued backing.

Consider what Kostyuk endured to arrive here. Delighted, she celebrates then shields her eyes, recalling post-first-round tears after a bomb near her Kyiv family home, underscoring deeper meaning. Her nation faces prolonged conflict with no end visible, and the responsibility to provide hope weighs heavily. Here she stands.

Marta Kostyuk (15) beats Elina Svitolina (7) 6-2 2-6 6-2

Kostyuk delivered a fine display, weathering Svitolina's response before overpowering with power and finesse to reach her first grand slam semifinal, Ukraine's first at the French Open, and pose a genuine title threat. She extends a 17-match winning streak and meets Mirra Andreeva next.

She has found her groove and carries herself with total assurance. She moves to 3-0, fires an ace and holds three match points.

Kostyuk reaches 15-30 and exudes confidence, using a drop shot to create two double-break opportunities. Her stronger game leaves Svitolina with few answers when form peaks, and she delivers under maximum pressure. Additional forehands prove overwhelming for the opponent, moving to 5-2 and demonstrating dominance at this level. Will nerves appear when serving for the match?

Regardless of the outcome, Kostyuk resembles this year's Anisimova, moving past limitations to emphasize attacking strengths and establish elite status.