Alexander Zverev has lost three Grand Slam finals

Paris (France) (AFP) - German second seed Alexander Zverev kept alive his hopes of claiming a first Grand Slam title as he beat Dutch lucky loser Jesper de Jong in straight sets at the French Open on Sunday.

The 29-year-old, a three-time runner-up in major finals, eased into the quarter-finals at Roland Garros with a 7-6 (⁷⁄₃), 6-4, 6-1 win over his 106th-ranked opponent.

With the men’s draw certain to produce a first-time Grand Slam champion, Zverev is considered the favourite to be that player as he bids to cast away the unwanted title of tennis’ nearly-man.

He overcame an early break of serve in the first set to take the opener in a tie-break.

From then on, it was plain sailing for the big-serving Hamburg native as he raced through to victory in two hours and 14 minutes.

“In the beginning it was a bit difficult, but once I found my rhythm I felt very comfortable on court,” Zverev said.

He will meet Spanish teenager Rafael Jodar for a place in the semi-finals on Tuesday.

“He’s a very young player, incredibly talented, he’s come on the scene this clay-court season,” Zverev said of the 19-year-old.

“He’s playing incredible tennis and it’s going to be a very difficult challenge but I have to trust myself and I’ll be ready for it.”

Defeat brought to an end 26-year-old De Jong’s excellent run at Roland Garros after he only gained a place in the main draw after losing in qualifying following the withdrawal of Arthur Fils.