Zverev brings Jodar’s French Open run to an end, Kostyuk dedicates victory to people of Ukraine

An emotional Marta Kostyuk reacts to beating Elina Svitolina. Pic: Aurelien Morissard/AP

Alexander Zverev cemented his status as French Open favourite by ruthlessly ending the challenge of teenager Rafael Jodar.

The 19-year-old Spaniard has been one of the stories of the tournament with his run to the quarter-finals on his debut at Roland Garros.

But he will not be emulating famous namesake Rafael Nadal by winning the title on his debut, with second seed Zverev easing to a 7-6 (3) 6-1 6-3 victory.

The German will surely never have a better chance to break his grand slam duck but he has shut down any talk of this being his title to lose.

Zverev has shown in the past a tendency to be too passive when opportunities arise, and it appeared the same thing might be happening when he trailed Jodar 5-2 in the opening set.

But, after Zverev hit back to level, it was largely one-way traffic, with the 29-year-old clinching victory after two hours and 29 minutes.

Zverev made 80 per cent of his first serves and sealed his spot in a fifth Roland Garros semi-final with a thumping forehand winner down the line.

The world number three said: “I feel like today was a very tough test against a very good player and I managed.

“Of course I’m happy to be in the semi-finals and, for now, that’s it. I just want to keep going.”

Elsewhere, a tearful Marta Kostyuk dedicated her French Open quarter-final victory over compatriot Elina Svitolina to the people of Ukraine.

For the first time in the open era, two women representing the troubled country met in the quarter-finals of a major tournament, bidding to set up a last-four clash with Russia’s Mirra Andreeva.

Svitolina had experience on her side and the support of French husband Gael Monfils but it was 23-year-old Kostyuk who proved the stronger, continuing her incredible form on clay with a 6-3 2-6 6-2 triumph.

Kostyuk began the fortnight in tears on court, revealing her family home in Kyiv had almost been hit by a Russian missile, and she was initially too emotional to speak after the win over Svitolina.

“I want to start with this historical match with Elina,” Kostyuk said after composing herself.

“We had a very difficult night again in Ukraine, especial in Kyiv, with many people dead, and I want to give this match to the Ukrainian people and their resilience.” Kostyuk then ended the interview by calling for donations to the foundations she and Svitolina have set up to support tennis in Ukraine.

Speaking later in her press conference, Kostyuk added: “When I woke up today, I saw it was all over the news. I texted my family if they were OK. This is pretty much all I can do.

“The biggest thing I can do is sit here and talk about it so more people can find out about it so they don’t get used to this terrible life.”