Alexander Zverev defeated Joao Fonseca 7-5, 6-7, 6-3 in the quarterfinals of the Monte Carlo Masters to advance to the semifinals for the third time in his career. The world No. 3 described the match as not great for either player but expressed satisfaction at progressing. He now faces the winner of Jannik Sinner versus Felix Auger-Aliassime.
Alexander Zverev secured a hard-fought victory over Joao Fonseca in the Monte Carlo Masters quarterfinals, winning 7-5, 6-7, 6-3. This marks his third semifinal appearance at the event. In an on-court interview, Zverev said, “In terms of level, I’m not sure. I don’t think it was a great match, to be honest, for either of us. But, as I said, this is the first week on clay for all of us. It wasn’t going to be easy. It wasn’t the most beautiful [match], but I won. I’m in the semifinals. I’m very happy with that.” Zverev noted that his third set was his strongest, showing improvement on clay compared to hard courts. “I feel like the best tennis set for me was the third. This shows an evolution. Also find a little more of my aggressive game, because I’m having a little more difficulty on clay than I had on hard courts. But, overall, I’m in the semifinals, and I’m happy with that,” he added. In the semifinals, Zverev awaits the winner of Jannik Sinner and Felix Auger-Aliassime. Sinner leads their head-to-head 8-4, including victories in the last seven meetings and both semifinals this year: 6-2, 6-4 at Indian Wells and 6-3, 7-6 at Miami. Zverev holds a 6-4 edge over Auger-Aliassime but has lost the past two, most recently 6-4, 7-6 in the 2025 ATP Finals group stage. Zverev has yet to win a singles title in 2026 despite reaching semifinals at the Australian Open, where he lost to Carlos Alcaraz 6-4, 7-6, 6-7, 6-7, 7-5, and the Sunshine Double events. Ankle issues sidelined him earlier, leading to withdrawals and a second-round loss at the Mexican Open, though he won doubles there.
