In Rome, Zverev makes his mark: "I'm very happy with what I'm showing".

Alexander Zverev has disappointed since the start of the clay-court season. He suffered a serious ankle injury in 2022, but has since made an extraordinary comeback. World No. 5 this week, he could even climb to No. 4 if he wins the title in Italy. Having arrived in Rome with rather average recent results (3 wins in 6 matches on ochre, no victory over a member of the top 40), the German seems on the verge of a revival.

At the Foro Italico, the 27-year-old put together a string of 4 fine victories, all without dropping a set and breaking only once. He defeated Vukic (6-0, 6-4), Darderi (7-6, 6-2) and Borges (6-2, 7-5), and above all kept a tight rein on an in-form Fritz (6-4, 6-3).

On Wednesday evening, the German right-hander delivered a near-perfect performance to subdue a helpless American (0 break points conceded, 78% first serve, 20 winners, 4 unforced errors). When asked about this fine victory, he didn't hold back his pleasure, commenting in particular on the quality of his serve: "I'm very happy, I played a very solid match. I'm happy to have beaten an opponent as strong as Taylor. [...] A good serve is also a way of taking more risks in the game, particularly at the back of the court. For me, it's the most important shot for a modern tennis player".

Everything would have been perfect had the Hamburg native not fallen at the start of the match. Taking a big scare, he nonetheless appeared to suffer a slight injury to his right forearm and right little finger. Although this incident didn't prevent him from playing his tennis, Sacha is cautious: "The finger isn't perfectly straight and it's a bit damaged, so we'll see what happens. We'll see what happens. I'll talk to the team about what needs to be done. We'll see if it's broken, I don't know at the moment."

For a place in the final, the man who already won in Rome in 2017 will challenge the sensation of this tournament: Alejandro Tabilo. The Chilean, who has already beaten Djokovic and Khachanov, fears nothing.

Asked about this match, the world No. 5 knows he's the favorite: "I haven't seen him play much here, apart from the two tie-breaks against Khachanov. He plays very aggressive tennis and takes time away from his opponents. But anyway, I'm very happy with what I'm showing."