Jakub Mensik says he ‘could not hear’ the Roland Garros crowd during his win over Joao Fonseca

The Czech 20-year-old, who is the 26th seed at Roland Garros this year, now meets second seed Alexander Zverev for a place in the final.

Despite beating Fonseca in straight sets, Mensik did find himself needing to reset after missing six match points at 5-6 in the third set, which he discussed after the match.

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Jakub Mensik couldn’t hear Roland Garros crowd vs Joao Fonseca

Mensik said in his post-match press conference: “Of course, at the time, I was just in the zone.

“I don’t even know that [he had missed six match points].

“I was focusing on the score.

“I was more focusing on my game and my performance and myself.

“Even if the crowd were erupting, I could not hear anything basically.

“I was that much in the zone and so focused that actually I was just focusing on every point.

“I mean, second serve maybe it was out, maybe it was in. I don’t know.

“The smash that I mishit too, but there were so many other great shots from my side, it was just a moment that was on match point but I am happy that even with those long games, and when the momentum was on his side, I was still able to level up my game in the tiebreak.”

Jakub Mensik vs Alexander Zverev head-to-head before Roland Garros tie

It’s certainly never an easy task playing against Fonseca, not only because of his ability but also because of his huge fanbase.

And despite his latest match taking place in Paris, the Brazilian attracted plenty of fans against Mensik, with the crowd certainly leaning towards Fonseca, especially towards the end of the match.

But the Czech youngster demonstrated his superb physical and mental strength to make it through, both of which he will need in his semifinal against Zverev.

The ATP duo have only met once before, with the German winning their 2026 Madrid Open round of 16 clash 6-4, 6-7(4-7), 6-3.