Zverev back in Paris SF a year after ankle injury

Alexander Zverev  returned to the French Open semi-finals a year after being taken off in a wheelchair as the former world No. 2 fought off a challenge from Tomas Martin Etcheverry 6-4, 3-6, 6-3, 6-4 on Wednesday.

The German who missed the last half of the 2022 season after rolling his ankle here against Rafael Nadal will face the winner from fourth seed Casper Ruud and Dane Holger Rune.

Zverev is seeded 22nd as he works to bring his game back to Top 5 level.

He needed nearly three and a half hours to overcome a determined Argentine opponent, finishing as Etcheverry drove a return wide on first match point.

2022 was the most difficult year of my life,” Zverev said. “I’m so glad to be back in this stadium. I could not be happier.”

Zverev broke his Latin opponent for 4-3 in the fourth set but had to save two break points to advance to a 5-3 margin on his way to victory.

Zverev had played his three previous matches at night and was pleased to get a hit in the daytime hours as he reached his sixth Grand Slam final four.

“Day conditions are better for me, the court is faster,” the winner said.

“I do my training during the day but it doesn’t really matter – I’m happy to be back in a Grand Slam semi-final

“I hope I deserved to win, I’m so happy to be through.”

Zverev lost to Rune in their only match in 2022 but has won three of four against Ruud.

Main photo:- Alexander Zverev celebrates as he wins quarter final match by Roger Parker International Sports Fotos Ltd