Zverev outclasses Fritz to reach semi-finals in Rome

Following the hecatomb in Rome, Zverev, like Tsitsipas, is now the favorite. The only member of the top 5 still in contention, he held his own against a Taylor Fritz who lacked consistency (6-4, 6-3 in 1h30).

The German loves playing in Italy. Winner in 2017 and runner-up in 2018, he's inching closer to a second title at the Foro Italico. On Wednesday, he was unstoppable on serve (6 aces, 77% first serve, 0 break points conceded) and very diligent in the exchange (20 winners, 4 unforced errors) to largely dominate an American who lacked incisiveness (11 winners, 10 unforced errors). Buoyed by his high-quality groundstrokes, particularly on the backhand, the 27-year-old broke when he needed to, to reach the semi-finals. There, he will face the sensation of the week, Alejandro Tabilo, who defeated Novak Djokovic and Karen Khachanov.

With Alexander Zverev and Stefanos Tsitsipas both eliminated early and in fine form, the two men could well meet again in the final (which would already be their 16th duel, with the Greek currently leading 10-5).