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Zverev needed a little more than three hours to clinch a 6-4 6-4 5-7 6-2 win over home hopeful Quentin Halys, teeing up a clash with lucky loser Jesper De Jong in the next round.

The 29-year-old, who has never won a grand slam title, is now among the favourites in the French capital, with Zverev the highest-ranked player left in the tournament. 

Jannik Sinner suffered a shock early exit at the hands of Juan Manuel Cerundolo, while Novak Djokovic was eliminated after losing a five-set thriller against Joao Fonseca.

However, Zverev remained focused on the variables he can control despite the surprises that have unfolded around him in Paris.

"I feel good even though I had a little bit of a let-down," Zverev said. "I feel like my level is there, and I'm going to do everything I can in the second week to playing good tennis.

"Hopefully play even better and give myself the best chance to win all the matches that I play."

Zverev started strongly on Court Philippe-Chatrier and broke Halys early on, and though the French responded with a break of his own, the No.2 seed held firm to go in front.

The 2024 French Open finalist appeared set to cruise to the fourth round when he won the second in 41 minutes, but Halys, backed by his home crowd, roared back in the third.

Halys reeled off the final three games to keep the match going, but Zverev regained his composure and saw out the fourth set, although he did need three attempts on match point.