Third seed Alexander Zverev made a return to the French Open semi-finals for a second straight edition on Tuesday as he held off teenaged talent Carlos Alcaraz 6-4, 6-4, 4-6, 7-6(7).
The winner let out a few roars of pure joy as he greeted his young rival at the net, then returned to the Chatrier showcourt to express his continuing joy.
“I knew had to play my absolute tennis today from the start on,” Zverev said.
“I’m happy I did that.
“he kept coming back, I told him at the net that he will win this tournament someday – and more than once.
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“I hope I can win it before he starts beating us all and we will have no chances.”
Zverev took control in the first two sets before Spain’s hope for the post-Nadal future found form, winning the third set and threatening in the fourth.
In the ensuing set, Alcaraz double-faulted to hand over a break for 5-3 to Zvererv, who was then charged with serving out the match..
But the German fell into a hole, down 40-0 and managed to get to 15 before his Spanish opponent got back into it with a break-back for 5-all
The youngster took the set into a tiebreaker, with Zverev missing his chance on a match point in the decider while saving an Alcaraz set point..
The German seed finally prevailed in his second match-winner three points, firing a return that Acaraz could not handle.
The win after nearly three and a half hours on court sends Zverev to a 4-1 record over Alcaraz, who defeated him three weeks ago for the Madrid title.
Main photo:- Sascha Zverev celebrates as he beats Carlos Alcaraz in four tight sets – by Roger Parker International Sports Fotos Ltd.
