Alexander Zverev has booked his spot in the semi-finals at Halle for the fifth time, defeating Italy’s Flavio Cobolli 6-4, 7-6 in a tightly contested quarter-final. The World No. 3 needed just 1 hour and 41 minutes to secure the straight-sets victory and stay firmly in contention for the title.
Zverev outscored Cobolli by eight points overall and came through in the crucial moments, thanks in large part to his dominant first serve—he landed 80% of them—and flawless defense, saving all six break points he faced. Though he only created three break chances, one early conversion in the opening game set the tone.
The German star struck 22 winners to 21 unforced errors and showcased consistency from the baseline, at the net, and on serve. After breaking immediately in the first game, Zverev fended off three break points in the second—despite briefly leaving the court, apparently to vomit—before returning to finish the game.
He faced another trio of break points in the fourth game but maintained composure to hold once again. Serving for the set at 5-4, Zverev missed his first opportunity but clinched the set on his second with a strong serve, wrapping it up in 47 minutes.
In the second set, both players held firm. Cobolli saved two break points at 2-2 with aggressive play, while Zverev held strong late, firing clutch service winners at 5-5 and 6-6 to force a tie-break.
Cobolli saved a match point at 5-6, but Zverev edged ahead with a mini-break at 6-6 and sealed the win with another booming serve at 7-6, punching his ticket to the semi-finals.
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