Defending champion Alexander Zverev reached the semifinals at the Paris tennis tournament by defeating Daniil Medvedev. The 28-year-old world No. 3 won despite a weak start with 2-6, 6-3, 7-6 (7-5), securing revenge after five straight losses to the Russian.
Alexander Zverev's bid to defend his title at the Paris Masters advances. The Hamburg native defeated Russian Daniil Medvedev, his so-called bogeyman, in the quarterfinals 2-6, 6-3, 7-6 (7-5). It was Zverev's first win against Medvedev after five previous consecutive losses. The 28-year-old world No. 3 had a weak start and fell in the first set at 2-5, injuring his left rear thigh. However, he continued without restrictions after Medvedev helped him up.
"At the beginning, I felt like I was playing well – but also very stupid," Zverev said smiling in the on-court interview. He improved tactically, however: "I stayed brave and won the match in the decisive moments." Zverev's strategy of approaching the net more often on the slow surface to avoid long rallies took effect from the second set. There, he broke back after an early loss and won the set 6-3.
In the third set, Zverev saved two match points and converted his first match point after 2.5 hours. This marks his fourth semifinal in Paris, tying Roger Federer. Only Novak Djokovic (9), Rafael Nadal (5), and Boris Becker (5) have more appearances. In the semifinals on Saturday, Zverev faces Jannik Sinner, who beat Ben Shelton 6-3, 6-3. Zverev had lost to the world No. 2 in three sets in the Vienna final last Sunday.