Zverev and Ruud back to back (2-2) before meeting in the semi-finals on Friday!

While the first semi-final clash, between Sinner and Alcaraz, looks a little more attractive, the potential of the day's second match between Zverev and Ruud should not be underestimated. A duel that promises to be almost as indecisive as the one that precedes it.

Indeed, this semi-final will be the 5th instalment in a hotly contested rivalry. To date, out of 4 meetings, they have each won twice and lost twice.

In both Grand Slam and clay-court matches, the two men have only faced each other once. That was last year, in the semi-finals of the French Open. A taste of déjà vu? Back then, the result was a resounding 6-3, 6-4, 6-0 victory for the Norwegian over a blunt German.

Although they haven't faced each other since, the world's 4th-ranked player has grounds for hope. Having quietly won their first two meetings, first in Cincinnati in 2021 (6-1, 6-3) and then in Paris-Bercy the same year (7-5, 6-4), he has made a fine start to the tournament and has plenty to reassure him.

Despite everything, the psychological advantage seems to be on Ruud's side overall. Not only did he beat Zverev at the same stage last year, but he hasn't lost to him since 2021. In fact, since 2022, Zverev has won just one of the 6 sets he's played.

That said, given the sparkling form of the world No. 4 (who won the title in Rome), this semi-final could be full of surprises. We look forward to seeing you on Friday afternoon, when we'll have the chance to witness this exciting encounter.