Men’s Semifinals Day at the 2026 French Open
World No. 3 Alexander Zverev is on the brink of a breakthrough, with two wins separating him from his first Grand Slam title at the 2026 French Open. As the men’s semifinals unfold today, four top players are set to compete for a place in the final.
The action begins on Court Philippe-Chatrier, where favorite Alexander Zverev clashes with Czech contender Jakub Menšík, ranked 26th. Next, Flavio Cobolli, ranked 10th, takes on Matteo Arnaldi, an unseeded talent from Italy, vying for a spot in the singles showdown.
Start time: 8:30 a.m. ET, 5:30 a.m. PT, 2:30 p.m. CEST, 1:30 p.m. BST
Watch: TNT and HBO Max (U.S., UK)
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The Unique Clay of Roland Garros
The French Open owes much of its excitement and challenge to its iconic dusty red clay courts. For over 50 years, the clay at Roland Garros has been sourced from a singular factory in Oise, north of Paris, made from bricks specifically utilized in France. Each year, approximately 2,000 tonnes of bricks transform into clay, with 80 tonnes designated for the tournament.
The clay consists of fine particles, less than one-tenth of a millimeter, creating an ideal sliding surface for players and enhancing the spectacle of tennis.
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Roland Garros: A Historic Tennis Venue
Named after French aviator Roland Garros, the stadium resides in Paris’s 16th arrondissement, symbolizing the French Open’s prestigious clay court legacy. Consisting of 20 courts, the complex is synonymous with the tournament itself.
Court Philippe Chatrier, accommodating 15,000 spectators, stands as the centerpiece. Established in 1928, it was crafted during France’s Davis Cup triumph era dominated by the ‘Four Musketeers’ — Jean Borotra, Jacques Brugnon, Henri Cochet, and Rene Lacoste — each honored with a stand at the court.
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Where to Watch the French Open
USA: TNT, HBO Max
France: France.tv Sport, Prime Video
UK: TNT Sports, HBO Max
Europe: Eurosport
Match Schedule: The men’s singles semifinals launch at 8:30 a.m. ET and 5:30 a.m. PT, corresponding to 2:30 p.m. CEST (local Paris time), and 1:30 p.m. BST in the UK. The Zverev vs. Menšík contest precedes the Cobolli vs. Arnaldi match around 1 p.m. ET, 10 a.m. PT, 7 p.m CEST, and 6 p.m. BST.
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