*Update*: Zverev in quarterfinals — Cobolli follows, evening programme decides bracket

Alexander Zverev has secured his place among the last eight at Roland Garros 2026 – and with it, expectations grow. Following Sinner's exit, the world number three is considered the clear title favourite, but ZDF reports that the Hamburg native initially wavered against lucky loser Jesper de Jong before taking all three sets. Zverev needs three more victories to claim his first Grand Slam title – a success that has eluded him throughout his career.

The Dutchman de Jong, who entered the draw as a lucky loser, began the match strongly but could not seriously threaten the German. NU.nl reports that while de Jong showed a strong start, Zverev ultimately dominated all three sets. FAZ reports that despite the brief wobble, Zverev lived up to his favourite status and must now watch for potential pitfalls in the remainder of the tournament.

Cobolli fights his way into quarterfinals

On the other side of the bracket, Italian Flavio Cobolli qualified for the quarterfinals. The world number 14 lost a set for the first time in this tournament against American Svajda but fought back and advanced to the last eight. Le Monde reports that after three straight-set victories, Cobolli had to go the distance for the first time – a sign that resistance in the tournament is increasing.

In the women's draw, the quarterfinal matches are complete: four players advanced on Monday in the fourth round, completing the last-eight bracket. Tagesschau reports on further developments in the tournament.

Decisive turning points in the evening

The evening programme holds the decisive turning points: Jakub Mensik faces Andrej Rublev, while Casper Ruud takes on Brazilian Joao Fonseca – Ruud was trailing at one point. Spiegel reports that these four players rank among the most serious challengers for Zverev. Whoever advances to the semifinals will likely determine how difficult Zverev's path to the title actually becomes.