Zverev Survives Late-Night Battle Against Halys to Reach Roland-Garros Last 16
Hope
Alexander Zverev continued his strong Roland-Garros 2026 campaign after overcoming a spirited challenge from home favourite Quentin Halys to book his place in the last 16 of the French Open.
The German produced a composed yet tested performance, winning 6-4, 6-3, 5-7, 6-2 in a match that stretched deep into the night and lasted over three hours at Court Philippe Chatrier.
Zverev made a fast start, breaking Halys early in the opening sets and controlling proceedings with his powerful baseline game. However, the Frenchman, backed by a passionate late-night crowd, refused to go down easily and fought back strongly in the third set.
Halys raised his level as Zverev’s rhythm briefly dipped, earning a well-deserved set to keep the contest alive and putting pressure on the higher-ranked German.
But Zverev quickly regained control in the fourth set, breaking early and then sealing the match with another crucial break in a marathon eighth game, showing his experience and composure in key moments.
Speaking after the match, Zverev admitted the challenge was far from easy but praised his ability to finish strong under pressure.
“I knew I just had to stay with my game and I’m going to get my chances and in the fourth set I did,” Zverev said. “I’m very happy I could finish it at 1am not 3am.”
The victory continues Zverev’s impressive run in Paris, where he remains one of the top contenders following a draw that has opened up after several major upsets earlier in the tournament.
He will now face Dutchman Jesper de Jong in the next round, with confidence high as he looks to push deeper into the second week of Roland-Garros.
