Alexander Zverev cruised past Netherlands’ Jesper de Jong 7-6(3), 6-4, 6-1 on Court Philippe-Chatrier to reach the last eight in Paris for the sixth consecutive year on Sunday. The German had to work hard in the first set but looked in complete control in the next two sets.

Zverev slipped to an early 0-3 deficit against lucky loser but he was able to bounce back strongly in the first set and eventually got the job done in the tiebreaker.

“In the beginning it was a bit difficult,” Zverev said in his on-court interview. “I didn’t start off strong and he started off really fast and really well. But once I found my rhythm, I felt very comfortable on the court and that’s the most important thing for me. I feel like my game is there, now it’s about showing it on the match court.”

The second seed will next face Rafael Jodar for the first time after the 19-year-old earlier rallied past compatriot Pablo Carreno Busta 4-6, 4-6, 6-1, 6-2, 6-2. Zverev was all praise for the youngster, who has shown all the skills to go a long way in his career.

“He’s a very young player, incredibly talented,” Zverev said of Jodar, who has earned a Tour-leading 19 wins on clay in 2026. “He’s come on the scene this clay-court season, from being ranked outside the Top 100 to now being almost Top 20, within two months. So he’s playing incredible tennis and it’s going to be a very difficult challenge, but I have to trust myself and I’ll be ready for it.”

Zverev will advance to the semi-finals for the fifth time at the French Open if he goes past Jodar.