Jakub Mensik’s incredible run in Paris continues, having beaten Joao Fonseca last night to reach the Roland Garros semi-finals.
In what was arguably his most complete performance of the event thus far, the 20-year-old handily dismantled the in-form Brazilian, silencing the crowd as he won in straight sets.
However, what it took to claim this win could have come at a cost.
After all, having already endured a hugely physical tournament, he had to summon so much more to ensure that last night’s match did not drag on.
And, in the process, Jakub Mensik has now revealed the fear he had when pain started to creep up on him during that match with Fonseca.
Jakub Mensik provides a fitness update after beating Joao Fonseca
Speaking at his press conference, he began by assessing the match.
Mensik admitted: “First two sets I was controlling the game pretty well. I was controlling the game on the serve and the return. I was super calm and very focused, so the momentum was on my side.
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“Unfortunately, at the end of the second set, I started to feel some discomfort in my left leg which was irritating me during the serve.”
He then expanded on that, adding: “I was, of course, afraid, ‘What is that?’ Fortunately, it was just a tight muscle, but because of that I dropped my focus a little bit. That’s why the beginning of the third set was not how I wanted it. But as the match and the third set was going through, and it was getting more intense, the pain started to drop down a little bit, and I started to not feel the pain at all.
“Obviously I am super happy that it’s nothing serious, and then after and during the third set I was able to lock in and play my game again.”
John McEnroe has already made a bold prediction about Mensik, but it could be set to come to fruition much faster than first expected.
How long has Jakub Mensik spent on court at Roland Garros this year?
As these Grand Slams progress, both mental and physical fatigue begin to take its toll, particularly for players not used to the increased workload that a deep run at an event of this magnitude brings.
And, after this latest admission, Mensik is one who could suffer at the hands of the experienced Zverev, who has been in three major finals and a further seven semi-finals.
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The German has dropped just one set all tournament thus far, and as such will have spent far less time on court than most others in the event.
In fact, whilst Zverev has played just 16 sets, Mensik faced his 20th last night against Fonseca.
All in all, the Czech star has been on court for 15 hours and 34 minutes throughout Roland Garros thus far, with two matches still to play if he were to win the title.
