Teenagers and rising stars set for French Open semifinals

A new generation of tennis players has taken command at the French Open, with teenagers and young stars advancing to the semifinals in both the men's and women's draws following Tuesday's quarterfinal action. The results guarantee first-time Grand Slam finalists on the men's side and have opened the path for new contenders in the women's tournament.

Czech 20-year-old Jakub Mensik secured his place in his first major semifinal with a straight-sets victory over 19-year-old Brazilian Joao Fonseca, 6-4, 6-3, 7-6(3). The match was the youngest men's quarterfinal at Roland Garros since 2006. Mensik established control early and maintained his advantage, though Fonseca mounted a spirited comeback in the third set, serving for it at 5-4. Mensik broke back and, after saving six match points in a marathon 12th game, clinched the victory in a tiebreaker. The win makes Mensik the youngest Czech man to reach a Grand Slam semifinal.

His path to this breakthrough was arduous, coming just days after he was pushed from the court in a wheelchair following severe cramps after a second-round victory. He also won two five-set matches earlier in the tournament, including a comeback from two sets down...