Zverev nails down 4th French semi-final

Alexander Zverev claimed a place in his fourth consecutive semi-final at Roland Garros with a 6-4, 7-6 (5), 6-4 defeat of Alex de Minaur on Wednesday.

The German who won the Rome title last month in the Paris run-up, earned an 11th straight win as he advanced in  three hours to next meet Casper Ruud on Friday.

He will compete in his  eighth semi at a major as he improved his record against his Australian opponent to 8-2.

“I’ve been doing the work off season for a long time,” Zverev said. “When you do that, tennis becomes easy. I like to work to my absolute limit.

“I’s happy to be in another semi-final – hopefully I can win one.

“if I’m winning, I’m happy, I’m in the semis and that’s all that matters.”

De Minaur missed his chance to become the second active Aussie player after NIck Kyrgios to reach the final four at a Slam.

The last Australian to play a Paris semi-final was Patrick Rafter in 1997.

Zverev moved into commanding position as de Minaur handed over his fourth double-fault to drop to 2-4 in the third set.

But the Aussie got back into the fight with a break for 4-5 before Zverev closed it out a game later as de Minaur hit the net on match point. 

Main photo:- Alexander Zverev celebrates victory – by Roger Parker International Sports Fotos