Zverev Joins Elite Company with QF Triumph at Madrid
Second seed conquers Cobolli, advances to face Blockx in ATP Masters 1000 semi-finals
April 30, 2026
JAVIER SORIANO/Getty Images
Alexander Zverev Claims His Spot in the Semi-Finals at the Mutua Madrid Open.
By ATP Staff
In a remarkable display of skill, Alexander Zverev solidified his standing in the ATP Masters 1000 circuit on Thursday at the Mutua Madrid Open, where he comfortably triumphed over Flavio Cobolli to reach the semi-finals.
Just over a week after facing defeat against Cobolli in Munich, Zverev flipped the script with a commanding 6-1, 6-4 victory at the iconic Manolo Santana Stadium. The two-time champion showcased his prowess, winning 32 out of 39 points on his first serve, as highlighted by Infosys ATP Stats, marking his fourth semi-final appearance in Madrid.
“It’s not about revenge. I have immense respect for Flavio; he’s one of my favorite players on the tour,” Zverev shared. “We share a great bond, and I have a good relationship with his father too. In sports, dynamics can shift quickly. He played brilliantly in Munich, while today it was my turn to shine.”
With this 90-minute victory, Zverev became only the fourth player to reach the semi-finals in all four Masters 1000 events of the season since the series began in 1990, joining the legendary Roger Federer (2006), Rafael Nadal (2010, 2011), and Jannik Sinner (2026). The current World No. 3 had previously been defeated by Sinner in the Indian Wells, Miami, and Monte-Carlo this year.
“It feels incredible, but now I need to focus on moving past this stage,” Zverev remarked with a smile when reflecting on his achievement.
Next, he’ll aim to maintain his undefeated 3-0 record in Madrid semi-finals against the 21-year-old Belgian Alexander Blockx during Friday’s evening session. Blockx, currently ranked No. 69 in the world, made headlines by defeating reigning champion Casper Ruud 6-4, 6-4 to reach his first Masters 1000 semi-final.
With this victory over Cobolli, Zverev improved to a 3-1 record in their Lexus ATP Head2Head clashes and notched his 179th tour-level win on clay, surpassing Philipp Kohlschreiber for the most by a German player in the Open Era.
Leaders in German Clay Wins
Contrasting their recent encounter in Munich, Zverev quickly found his service rhythm in Madrid, firing eight aces in the first set while capitalizing on a hesitant start from Cobolli, who was aiming for his first Masters 1000 semi-final berth.
Zverev maintained this momentum into the second set, applying relentless pressure with his depth and accuracy, keeping the 23-year-old Italian on the defensive. Although Cobolli managed to fend off three consecutive break points in the fifth game and showed enhanced sharpness, Zverev remained composed, sealing his third victory against a Top 20 opponent this season.
