HALLE, Germany — Alexander Zverev bounced back from a bout of illness during the first set to triumph over Flavio Cobolli with a score of 6-4, 7-6 in the quarterfinals of the Halle Open on Friday.
“I felt great before the match, but suddenly I felt really unwell and almost sick,” remarked Zverev, the No. 2 seed. “I had to step away for a moment, but after about 15 minutes, I started to feel better. It’s an experience I’ve never had before. Fingers crossed, I’ll be okay in a few hours.”
Zverev has now joined an elite group of five players who have reached five or more semifinals at this tournament, alongside legends like Roger Federer, Yevgeny Kafelnikov, Philipp Kohlschreiber, and Tommy Haas. His next duel is set against one of his long-time adversaries, Daniil Medvedev.
Medvedev earned his place in the semifinals by dispatching Alex Michelsen with a score of 6-4, 6-3, marking his third tour-level semifinal of the year.
“I think he’s the player I’ve faced the most in my career,” Zverev noted. “Without a doubt, he’s one of the toughest competitors I’ve encountered. I’m eagerly anticipating this match.”
In the other semifinal, Alexander Bublik will take on Karen Khachanov.
Bublik, who claimed victory over top seed Jannik Sinner in the second round, continued his impressive run by defeating Tomas Machac 7-6, 6-3, while Khachanov outplayed Tomas Martin Etcheverry with a score of 6-3, 6-2.
