Alexander Zverev triumphed in a tense quarter-final match at the Terra Wortmann Open in Halle, overcoming a sudden illness to dispatch Flavio Cobolli in straight sets, 6-4, 7-6(6). The home favorite faced an unexpected bout of nausea early in the match, prompting a quick restroom break at a crucial moment. However, he returned to secure his spot in the semi-finals after a one-hour and 41-minute battle.
“I felt fine before the match, and then out of nowhere I felt really, really bad,” Zverev recounted, sharing his concern about the sudden illness. After a brief recovery during his break, he expressed confidence that he would feel better soon. Zverev showcased his strong serving skills, winning 81% of points on his first serve and saving all six break points he faced throughout the match. This victory marks Zverev’s advancement to the semi-finals for the fifth time at this tournament, placing him among an elite group of players with a similar achievement, including Roger Federer and Yevgeny Kafelnikov.
Now, Zverev is set to face Daniil Medvedev in the semi-finals, who recently defeated Alex Michelsen with a score of 6-4, 6-3. This upcoming match will be their first tour-level encounter since their clash in the 2024 Australian Open semi-finals. Zverev acknowledged the significance of their rivalry, noting that Medvedev is one of his toughest opponents.
In the other semi-final, Alexander Bublik will take on Karen Khachanov. Bublik, who made headlines by beating World No. 1 Jannik Sinner earlier in the tournament, expressed his satisfaction with maintaining focus and control in his match against seventh seed Tomas Machac.
As the tournament progresses, fans can look forward to thrilling matches in the semi-finals that feature formidable players with impressive recent performances. With Zverev and Medvedev’s history adding an intriguing element, the stage is set for an exhilarating showdown.