Zverev hoping to at last grab Paris final opportunity

Alexander Zverev beat Alex de Minaur 6-4, 7-6 (7/5), 6-4 to reach the French Open semi-finals for the fourth year in a row.

Zverev extended his current winning streak to 11 matches, including a title on clay at the Italian Open last month. His victory over 11th-seeded de Minaur at Court Philippe Chatrier moves him into a matchup against two-time Roland Garros runner-up Casper Ruud today.

The fourth-seeded Zverev is competing in Paris as a court proceeding continues in his home country of Germany, connected to accusations of physical abuse by a former girlfriend.

Zverev said he never thought it was a possibility he wouldn't be able to play in the French Open because of the court case.

The other men's semi-final pits second-ranked Jannik Sinner against world No 3 Carlos Alcaraz.

None of the four men left in the bracket has ever won the French Open.

Djokovic was the defending champion but withdrew due to an injured knee, allowing Ruud to advance. He had surgery on his knee in Paris yesterday.

Zverev is trying to win his first Grand Slam title. So is No 7 Ruud, who lost in the finals at Roland Garros in 2022 and 2023.

"I'm happy to be in another semi-final," said Zverev. "Hopefully, I can win one."