Alexander Zverev shouts his joy. © APA/afp / THOMAS SAMSON

Zverev's title dream in Paris is alive: Now Ruud is waiting

Just a year after the serious injury, Alexander Zverev is back in the semi-finals at the French Open. The Olympic tennis champion can dream of a great triumph - but the task will be more difficult.

June 07, 2023

From: dpa/det

Alexander Zverev roared his joy and enjoyed the ovation from the French audience. Just a year after the injury shock, the Olympic tennis champion fought his way back into the semi-finals of the French Open and can dream of his first Grand Slam triumph. The 26-year-old ended the impressive run of Argentine outsider Tomás Martin Etcheverry 6:4, 3:6, 6:3, 6:4 and reached the semi-finals of the clay court classic in Paris for the third time in a row. Zverev scored his first match point on Wednesday evening after 3:22 hours.

“I just don't know what to say. “I’m just happy that I’m further along,” enthused Zverev in the winner’s interview on the pitch. “This was the most difficult year of my life. I love tennis. I'm so happy to be back on this stage and playing for the chance to win the Roland Garros title again. I'll see you again the day after tomorrow." Eurosport expert Boris Becker praised Zverev highly: "Big match, important match in his career. Sascha Zverev is back.”

Full commitment from Alexander Zverev. © APA/afp / JULIEN DE ROSA

In the year after his serious ankle injury at the same place, he has now achieved great success - even if the tasks are becoming increasingly difficult. In the semi-finals on Friday we will face last year's finalist Casper Ruud. In the evening he defeated Denmark's young star Holger Rune in four sets. The other semi-final will be contested by the top favorites Carlos Alcaraz from Spain and the 22-time Grand Slam tournament winner Novak Djokovic from Serbia.