Tiebreak thriller in Paris: Zverev moves into the semifinals of the French Open after an exchange of blows

Created: 2022-06-01 04:54

By: Patrick Mayer, Florian Schimak

In the quarterfinals of the French Open: Alexander Zverev.

© Christophe Ena/AP/dpa

Alexander Zverev wins the quarterfinals of the French Open against Carlos Alcaraz.

The "child prodigy" of tennis forces the German into a dramatic tie-break.

The match in the ticker to read.

• Zverev wrestles Spanish "prodigy" at French Open

  : Alexander Zverev (GER, 3) - Carlos Alcaraz (ESP, 6) 6: 4, 6: 4, 4: 6, 7: 6

• Alcaraz fends off match point in Paris: Zverev makes it exciting again in the tie-break.

• Alcaraz forces Zverev into the fourth set: The Spanish "child prodigy" strikes back at Roland Garros at times.

• The highly exciting

  match in the ticker to read

  .

Update from May 31, 8:10 p.m .: Conclusion:

Alexander Zverev is in the semifinals of the French Open after an outstanding performance.

The Olympic champion defeated the exceptional Spanish talent Carlos Alcaraz 6: 4, 6: 4, 4: 6, 7: 6 (9: 7) and was convincing across the board.

Zverev beat a top ten player in a major for the first time in the twelfth attempt.

After 3:18 hours he converted his second match point.

The top German player, who was on the verge of being eliminated in the second round in Paris, put the 19-year-old under pressure from the baseline with strong service and an almost flawless game.

Zverev was not impressed by Alcaraz' set win either before he was allowed to cheer after a dramatic tie-break in Roland Garros.

French Open, Quarterfinals: Alexander Zverev (GER, 3) - Carlos Alcaraz (ESP, 6) 6: 4, 6: 4, 4: 6, 7: 6

Zverev wrestles Spanish "child prodigy" at French Open: German moves into the semifinals

4th set: Zverev vs. Alcaraz 7: 6

-

4th set: Zverev vs. Alcaraz 6: 6

- what a tiebreak!

Both players fend off each other's advantages.

Zverev now leads 8: 7.

Is the decision coming?

Is that a crime thriller?

4th set: Zverev vs. Alcaraz 6: 6

- That's the tiebreak!

Zverev plays on the match ball again.

Now the German unpacks the stop.

The young Spaniard clearly didn't expect that.

Five points in a row for the number three in the world.

4th set: Zverev vs. Alcaraz 5: 6

- amazing rallies!

After a flat template, Zverev brings the net roller over the edge, but again the Spaniard lets it run into the void with a stop.

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Alcaraz fends off match point in Paris: Zverev misses the chance of reaching the semi-finals early

4th set: Zverev vs. Alcaraz 5: 5

– match point saved!

Alcaraz takes the initiative again and secures the re-break.

The audience is excited.

Zverev misses the chance to make a decision.

4th set: Zverev vs. Alcaraz 5: 4

- At 30: 0 Zverev gives away a ball. But then he serves Alcaraz flat on the forehand - his return goes into the net!

Finally, the Hanseatic secures the break.

The match point is not far away.

4th set: Zverev vs. Alcaraz 4: 4

- The Hamburger really does it again.

He now brings in the backhand more.

4th set: Zverev vs. Alcaraz 3: 4

- The stops remain Carlos Alcaraz's means.

Is he perhaps the best in the world in this tennis variant?

In any case, it is remarkable how precisely he literally strokes the ball over the net.

4th set: Zverev vs. Alcaraz 3: 3

- 30 both and then Zverev keeps his nerve.

He's going through his game again.

Can he now start the punch after the young Iberian has caught up?

Audience in Roland Garros is for Alcaraz: Zverev is booed in Paris

4th set: Zverev vs. Alcaraz 2: 3

– you give yourself nothing, the audience is there.

And the audience especially supports the Spaniard.

4th set: Zverev vs. Alcaraz 2: 2

- Zverev can literally hit back on the center court again.

The German gets more hardness and pressure on his racket again.

4th set: Zverev vs. Alcaraz 1: 2

- Zverev can compensate for a lead from Alcaraz.

Because the referee decides for the German when the ball is tight, some spectators boo him.

The majority of fans are clearly on the side of the young Spaniard.

And he gets the next point with his inimitable stops.

4th set: Zverev vs. Alcaraz 1: 1

- The German tennis ace comes back into play after previously losing three points in a row.

The match is now an open exchange of blows.

4th set: Zverev vs. Alcaraz 0: 1

- Now it's back and forth.

At first it was a one-sided story for Zverev.

But Alcaraz seems much safer now and unleashes his full power in the shots.

The number three in the world from Germany has trouble.

Alcaraz forces Zverev into the fourth set: The Spanish "child prodigy" strikes back in Paris

3rd set: Zverev vs. Alcaraz 4: 6 - Now Alcaraz brings Zverev to the net - with his 28th, 29th and 30th stop!

The Spaniard bets risky on this variant.

And with that he wins the third set.

Break and set point in one.

The many Spanish fans also acknowledge Zverev with whistles.

Although or precisely because the Germans are fighting to the best of their ability.

3rd set: Zverev vs. Alcaraz 4: 5

- Alcaraz easily gives a forehand ball.

Does the youngster show nerves?

No!

With a stop he can equalize on points and get the advantage.

And he uses it.

Zverev misses the break ball.

3rd set: Zverev vs. Alcaraz 4: 4

- Once again, the Hamburger brings through his service game perfectly.

"Prodigy" Alcaraz simply does not find any answers.

3rd set: Zverev vs. Alcaraz 3: 4

- Zverev can't get the punch!

Alcaraz is already leading 40:15, but the German returns again.

The young Spaniard stays cool and decides the decisive point before an equalizer.

Alexander Zverev - Carlos Alcaraz in the live ticker: The German still has reserves in the quarterfinals

3rd set: Zverev vs. Alcaraz 3: 3

- Zverev still has reserves, goes after every ball.

And his serve sits again.

Few tennis professionals in the world can do the way he serves today.

3rd set: Zverev vs. Alcaraz 2: 3

- magic ball from Alcaraz!

He cuts it very finely into half of Zverev.

The German apparently did not expect such a feint.

3rd set: Zverev vs. Alcaraz 2: 2

- No, he can't!

Zverev doesn't allow the Spaniard to break away and catch his breath.

His balls go smoothly and cleanly over the net.

His own error rate is low.

This looks very good.

Will that be a three-set win?

3rd set: Zverev vs. Alcaraz 1: 2

- That takes strength.

Again and again the young Spaniard runs his arm over his sweaty face.

Can he pull away this time?

3rd set: Zverev vs. Alcaraz 1: 1

- Zverev stays cool!

He also has the upper hand in the long changes.

In addition, the body language is correct.

The Hanseatic looks very jaded on this warm early evening in Paris.

3rd set: Zverev vs. Alcaraz 0: 1

- It goes on cheerfully: whoever has the serve makes the point.

Alcaraz is increasingly trying to steer the game back to the backhand in order to then be able to pull away properly.

Alexander Zverev - Carlos Alcaraz in the live ticker: The second set of the quarterfinals also goes to the German

2nd set: Zverev vs. Alcaraz 6: 4 - yes!

The second set also goes to the German, who is dominant in this quarter-final in Paris and uses his serve excellently.

That looks good!

2nd set: Zverev vs. Alcaraz 5: 4

- but he fights back, the young Spaniard.

But Zverev's long balls cost him strength.

He keeps sending him to the forehand.

2nd set: Zverev vs. Alcaraz 5: 3

- This point goes to Zverev very quickly.

Alcaraz is shaking quite a bit now.

He also looks slightly nervous, moves frantically.

2nd set: Zverev vs. Alcaraz 4: 3

- next break for Zverev.

His power is once again remarkable today.

So he robs even the nimble Alcaraz of power after longer rallies.

Quarter-finals of the French Open in the live ticker: service game after service game goes to Zverev

2nd set: Zverev vs. Alcaraz 3: 3

- service game after service game goes to the German.

He plays more into the forehand, the backhand is Alcaraz's greatest strength.

And Zverev now wants to avoid them as best as possible.

2nd set: Zverev vs. Alcaraz 2: 3

- There are significantly more Spanish fans at the center court in Roland Garros.

They keep pushing Alcaraz with heckling.

And it seems to be working - a point for the 19-year-old.

2nd set: Zverev vs. Alcaraz 2: 2

- There is Zverev's cry of will.

Alcaraz gives away the break ball, what a return from the German.

First, Alcaraz foxes the Hanseatic with a volley on the net.

Then the Hanseatic responds with full force in his punches.

2nd set: Zverev vs. Alcaraz 1: 2

- The Spaniard is getting stronger again, his game more variable.

Now Zverev has to react, which he doesn't always succeed in doing.

2nd set: Zverev vs. Alcaraz 1: 1

- And again Zverev gets the point in the service game.

The young Spaniard, on the other hand, has no means at all.

With the first strike on defense, he's directly under pressure.

2nd set: Zverev vs. Alcaraz 0: 1

- Alcaraz finds its way back into the game well.

If he gets moving and can dictate himself, it will be difficult for Zverev.

In the quarterfinals of the French Open: Alexander Zverev.

© Christophe Ena/AP/dpa

Quarterfinals of the French Open in the live ticker: the first set goes to Alexander Zverev

1st set: Zverev vs. Alcaraz 6: 4 - Zverev wins the first set.

He gets through every one of his service games.

The serve is simply his great strength!

Alcaraz has not yet found an answer to the force.

That looks good for the German!

1st set: Zverev vs. Alcaraz 5: 4

– Alcaraz does not give this set away so easily.

It's a high quality match so far.

1st set: Zverev vs. Alcaraz 5: 3

- Zverev again!

The hamburger is very good at the game.

He seems very concentrated and presents the young Spaniard with tasks.

Above all, he is forcing him to go online, where Alcaraz has had problems so far.

1st set: Zverev vs. Alcaraz 4: 3

- Alcaraz shortened immediately.

It's a back and forth. Neither of the two tennis aces can make a decisive difference.

1st set: Zverev vs. Alcaraz 4: 2

- Zverev picks up speed against the "child prodigy".

His serves sit, he brings them into play - and then picks up Alcaraz from the baseline with shorter balls.

So the Spaniard can't raise his agile game, but has to react.

1st set: Zverev vs. Alcaraz 3:2

- Uhhhhh... Zverev gives his advantage to the long line.

But he only hits the post with the ball.

Cunning idea - but it goes wrong.

Alcaraz hits the tennis ball in the net.

Finally, Zverev gets the break as a setback.

That was important, because the Hamburger is visibly happy.

Quarterfinals of the French Open in the live ticker: Zverev fights back against Alcaraz

1st set: Zverev vs. Alcaraz 2: 2

- Zverev hits back in the truest sense of the word.

He brings his game through perfectly.

40-0 on points, and then he equalizes in the first set.

1st set: Zverev vs. Alcaraz 1: 2

- Alcaraz is present.

Zverev doesn't start badly, but the young Spaniard starts even stronger.

It's getting tight.

Alcaraz clenches his fist after winning this point.

1st set: Zverev vs. Alcaraz 1: 1

- Alcaraz starts like the fire brigade to use the imagery.

Zverev uses his serves and pushes the Spaniard away from the baseline.

But the young lad just moves fast and defends really well from the start.

Zverev leads 40:30, the advantage changes several times.

Then the Hanseatic puts the lid on it.

1st set: Zverev vs. Alcaraz 0: 1

- The young Spaniard is there immediately.

He hits with both the forehand and the backhand.

He brings the first service game right through.

Update from May 31, 4:46 p.m .: It starts with the quarterfinals between Zverev and Alcaraz in Paris.

Quarterfinals of the French Open in the live ticker: Zverev against Alcaraz is shifting a bit

Update from May 31, 4:35 p.m .:

The women's match is over.

Zverev and Alcaraz enter the center court and just warm up.

It's about to start with the quarter-finals at Roland Garros!

Update from May 31, 4:15 p.m .:

The current women’s match on the center court between the American Coco Gauff and her compatriot should be over soon.

After a 7: 5 in the first set, Gauff is currently leading 5: 1 in the second set.

Afterwards, Alexander Zverev and Carlos Alcaraz will go to the clay court.

Quarter-finals of the French Open in the live ticker: Alcaraz is on the trigger, Zverev is consolidating

Update from May 31, 3:55 p.m .:

So Carlos Alcaraz.

The 19-year-old Spaniard is considered the child prodigy of international tennis.

In 2021, the youngster took 3rd place at the French Open, in the same year he finished second at Wimbledon.

In this he also secured third place at the Australian Open.

He is considered the upcoming superstar of the scene - if he doesn't get injured.

Update from May 31, 3:40 p.m .:

Alexander Zverev’s serve is important again.

Hardly anyone smashes as hard as the native of Hamburg.

In the round of 16, the German tennis star defeated Bernabe Zapata Miralles.

Nevertheless: He should better turn off the many technical errors today.

After recent mixed performances, he fought his way into the tournament in Paris.

Quarterfinals of the French Open in the live ticker: Zverev demands ATP shooting star Alcaraz

Update from May 31, 3:25 p.m .:

Alexander Zverev has not yet won a Grand Slam title.

Neither at the Australian Open, nor in Wimbledon or at the US Open.

And not at the French Open either.

This time, the 25-year-old Hanseatic thinks he has a good chance.

But first he has to defeat the shooting star of the ATP, Carlos Alcaraz.

Update from May 31, 2:13 p.m .:

The game between Alexander Zverev and Carlos Alcaraz was officially scheduled for 2:30 p.m.

However, the whole thing will be pushed back a little.

The official opening time at Court Philippe-Chatrier is now 3:40 p.m.

Alexander Zverev against child prodigy Carlos Alcaraz: The quarter-finals of the French Open today in the live ticker.

© IMAGO / Eibner

First report from May 31:

Paris/Munich – Alexander Zverev has never performed so well at the French Open in Paris.

Nevertheless, he is in the quarter-finals of Roland Garros - but now with Carlos Alcaraz a really big chunk awaits in the fight for a place in the quarter-finals.

Zverev against child prodigy Alcaraz: quarter-finals of the French Open today in the live ticker

The Olympic champion already came out as a fan of Alcaraz before the tournament.

Zverev always praises the Spanish youngster in the highest tones and currently sees him as the best player in the world.

But on the way to the first Grand Slam title, Zverev sees himself as next in line.

The fact that everyone only talks about Alcaraz annoys Zverev - and can give him an extra dose of motivation.

The form currently speaks more for Alcaraz.

The 19-year-old is currently playing the best tennis on the tour.

The Spaniard is unbeaten in 14 games and has recently won the tournaments in Barcelona and Madrid.

In the Spanish capital, he defeated Rafael Nadal, Novak Djokovic and Zverev one after the other.

Can he do that in the quarterfinals of the French Open?