Carlos Alcaraz is through to the Cincinnati Open final after defeating Alexander Zverev.
Despite serving four double faults during one particular game in the second set, Alcaraz rallied to a 6-4 6-3 victory over the German.
Alcaraz will now face longtime rival Jannik Sinner in the final, to whom he lost in the Wimbledon final in July.
Zverev can count himself rather unfortunate: the German world number three began to struggle physically during the match against Alcaraz, appearing to be injured.
On Sunday, Alcaraz sent Zverev a message of support.
Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty ImagesCarlos Alcaraz feels ‘so sad for Sascha’
Carlos Alcaraz, who is well-recognised as one of the most polite players on tour, took time to express his angst at witnessing Zverev’s injury troubles.
On X [Twitter], Alcaraz said: “Very happy to reach another final here in Cincy, but so sad for Sascha!
“Get well soon! See you all on Monday!”
Zverev has enjoyed frequent success against Alcaraz in the past, having beaten the Spaniard in their last meeting at the 2024 ATP Finals.
However, the German’s ability to play his best tennis was severely hampered by his physical condition.
After his quarter-final victory over Ben Shelton, Zverev reported some physical issues.
During his on-court interview with Tennis TV after defeating Shelton 6-2 6-2, Zverev was asked how he was feeling.
Zverev replied: “Yeah right now not feeling too great. We’ll see. I have a day to get fresh again and to hopefully feel 100 per cent.
But I’m not sure what happened.’
“I came out today and probably felt the best I’ve felt in a few months. Was feeling the ball incredibly well from both sides.
“End of the first set, I started feeling not so great, and it got progressively worse. But I’m in the semifinals and I’ll do everything I can to be 100% tomorrow and to give it a shot.”
The German star will hope to recover in time for the US Open, which begins on August 24.
Zverev is also expected to play in the US Open Mixed Doubles competition alongside Belinda Bencic. The tournament is scheduled to take place from August 19 to 20.
Carlos Alcaraz levels head-to-head record with Alexander Zverev
Before defeating Zverev on Saturday evening Carlos Alcaraz was trailing Alexander Zverev in their head-to-head record, by five wins to six.
However, Alcaraz has now levelled the tie after their semi-final battle at six wins apiece.
Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images
The Spaniard will be hoping for revenge in the Cincinnati Open final against Jannik Sinner after his Wimbledon final loss.
The match is scheduled for Monday evening at 8 pm GMT.