Zverev books French Open final berth as Cobolli advances via walkover

Alexander Zverev moved through to the French Open final for the second time in his career. (Gertty Images: Ian MacNicol)

Alexander Zverev defeated Jakub Menšík 7-5, 6-2, 3-6, 6-3 in their semifinal.

Flavio Coboli advanced after Matteo Arnaldi withdrew due to illness ahead of their semifinal.

Alexander Zverev has moved to within touching distance of a long-coveted major title after beating Jakub Menšík to reach the French Open final for the second time.

Second seed Zverev, who has lost three major finals including one at Roland-Garros two years ago, will face 10th seed Flavio Cobolli for the title.

Cobolli advanced after Matteo Arnaldi withdrew due to illness ahead of their all-Italian semifinal.

"I knew that it would be my toughest challenge. I managed it and I won, so I'm happy," said Zverev, who became only the fifth active player to reach multiple French Open finals.

Nineteen-year-old Mirra Andreeva reaches her first grand slam final at the French Open where she will take on Poland's Maja Chwalińska, the first qualifier to reach the Paris decider in the Open Era.

"It's amazing the way he [Menšík] played these last two weeks. He beat so many unbelievable players.

"He started playing amazing in the third set, stepping up his ‌level, but this is a [major] with best-of-five-set matches.

"Things happen and your opponents will play better. You have to deal with it. I hope to play another great ⁠match on Sunday."

Zverev will approach the showdown against his close friend Cobolli with caution.

When Zverev and Cobolli squared off again in Madrid last month, it was the German who prevailed to lead their head-to-head record 3-1.

"Of course, it's his first final, I'm happy for him that he reached it. But the only thing I can control is that I play good tennis. I will try to show my level."

A tight opening set on a sun-kissed Court Philippe Chatrier tilted Zverev's way when he struck a backhand crosscourt winner in ‌the 11th game on his way to breaking Menšík's serve.

The world number three sent down a powerful ace to pocket the first set and asserted himself with an early break at the start of the second set, as his 20-year-old Czech opponent's level ⁠briefly dipped in his first major semifinal.

Jakub Menšík (left) congratulates Alexander Zverev following their semifinal.

Menšík sat with a towel over his head ‌during a changeover and his troubles deepened after the ‌restart, when Zverev took his game up a few notches and sealed a double break, before comfortably doubling his lead in the match.

After a long medical timeout for a neck issue, ‌ Men