Alexander Zverev has reached the semifinals of the Masters tournament in Rome on Friday. The German number three in the world defeated Chilean Cristian Garín in two sets (7-5 and 6-2) and awaits a new duel with Stéfanos Tsitsipás.
The 25-year-old Zverev and the equally old Garín went together for a long time in the first set. Zverev broke the Chilean in the seventh game, but was broken back a point later. He eventually took the set in the final phase. Garín was unable to offer a match in the second set.
Tsitsipás is Zverev’s next opponent on the clay in Rome. The Greek number five in the world settled later in the day in the quarterfinals with the Italian Jannik Sinner: 7-6 (5) and 6-2.
Zverev and Tsitsipás have already faced each other twice this season: last week Zverev settled in three sets with his rival in the semifinals of the Masters tournament in Madrid. In the final, however, he was defeated by top talent Carlos Alcaraz.
Zverev and Tsitsipás already met in the semifinals of the Masters tournament in Monte Carlo. Then Zverev lost 6-4 and 6-2 against the Greek, who was in the final of Roland Garros last year.
The global number one Novak Djokovic will only be in action in Rome on Friday evening. He meets Felix Auger-Aliassime. Rafael Nadal is no longer present in the Italian capital. The 21-time Grand Slam winner was eliminated on Thursday, where a persistent foot injury played tricks on him again.