Sinner to face Zverev in a third straight SF

Jannik Sinner and Alexander Zverev will square off for a third consecutive time in a Masters 1000 semi-final, with Sinner booking his place 6-3, 6-4 over Felix Auger-Aliassime on Friday in Monte Carlo.

Zverev, seeded third behind Carlo Acaraz and Sinner, advanced in a two-and-three-quarter-hour struggle against Joao Fonseca 7-5, 6-7 (3), 6-3.

Sinner beat Germany’s Zverev last month in the final four at Indian Wells and Miami, events that he went on to win.

Sinner claimed his 20th straight match win at the Masters level as he dominated  Canadian opponent FAA in 92 minutes, with 16 winners.

His Masters victory run matched those of Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic.

Second seeded Sinner, who is closing in on a return to the top ATP ranking after his runaway success in March on hardcourts in the US.

He appeared much more healthy today in Monaco than on Thursday, when he struggled to a third-round victory over Tomas Machac, dropping his first set in months.

“It was a very tough match but this was a step forward today,” the winner said. “I know I had to get better in certain areas… my serving is not there yet.

“All things considered, I’m very happy. Yesterday I was very tired but I recovered well after a good night’s sleep.”

Zverev will be playing in his third Monte Carlo semi-final and is the fourth to ever reach 10 Masters semi-finals on clay.