Alexander Zverev’s quest for his third ATP Masters 1000 title of the season stepped up a notch on Friday at the Rolex Paris Masters as the German moved past Casper Ruud 7-5, 6-4 to reach the semi-finals.
The World No. 4, who has triumphed at this level in Madrid and Cincinnati this season, was strong on serve against the Norwegian, winning 86 per cent (37/43) of points behind his first delivery to advance after one hour and 36 minutes.
“I thought he served extremely well today which made it very difficult to break,” Zverev said. “I’m happy with the win and to be in the semi-finals.”
Zverev is currently playing some of the best tennis of his career, having won 28 of his past 30 matches, with this run starting at the Tokyo Olympics, where he won the Olympic singles gold medal. The 24-year-old also lifted the trophy in Vienna last week.
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The fourth seed has fond memories in Paris, enjoying a run to the final in the French capital last year. But he will be hoping to go one step further this week and will next meet Daniil Medvedev after the Russian edged French qualifier Hugo Gaston 7-6(7), 6-4.
Ruud, like Zverev, has earned five tour-level titles in 2021. The 22-year-old will make his debut at the Nitto ATP Finals after clinching his spot on Thursday in Paris.
In a strong performance, Zverev played aggressively and raised his level in the crucial moments, saving all three break points he faced to advance. The German now leads Ruud 2-0 in their ATP Head2Head series.
