Alexander Zverev’s Epic French Open Comeback Ignites Tennis World – Match Highlights & Reactions

Germany’s Alexander Zverev battled through a stomach bug and a stubborn Flavio Cobolli to reach the Terra Wortmann Open semifinals in Halle, where he will square off against world No. 5 Daniil Medvedev on Saturday. The 27-year-old needed one hour 54 minutes to post a 6-4, 7-6 (5) victory on Friday, twice leaving the court to vomit before steadying his baseline game in front of a packed OWL Arena crowd. Zverev, currently ranked No. 3 and bidding to become the first German champion in Halle since 2016, struck 10 aces and saved nine of the 10 break points he faced. “I felt awful for a set and a half, but the fans helped me push through,” he said courtside. “These are the weeks that build confidence for Wimbledon.” Friday’s win follows a dominant 6-2, 6-1 first-round performance over Marcos Giron, a match notable for Zverev’s quick response when an advertising board toppled onto a 62-year-old spectator; the Olympic gold medallist halted play and stayed with the injured fan until medical staff arrived. Next up is a marquee clash with Medvedev, who edged Alexander Bublik 6-7, 7-6, 6-4 to book his spot in the final four. The head-to-head stands locked at 9-9, but Zverev has won three of their last four meetings, including a five-set epic in the Roland-Garros quarterfinals earlier this month. With grass playing faster than Paris clay, expect Zverev’s 135 mph serve and crackling backhand to be pivotal against the former US Open champion’s trademark flat returns. The winner will face either Hubert Hurkacz or defending champion Andrey Rublev in Sunday’s title match, but beyond the silverware, valuable ranking points and grass-court momentum are on the line. Zverev has never advanced past the fourth round at Wimbledon, yet his recent clay-court breakthrough and a 34-9 season record have British bookmakers installing him as a top-three favourite. Off court, the German’s camp confirmed that the stomach illness was food-related and “not expected to hamper preparations.” Coach Sergi Bruguera scheduled a light hit under the retractable roof late Friday to recalibrate timing after a day spent “mostly hydrating,” according to team physio Jez Green. Halle remains special ground for Zverev: he made his ATP main-tour debut here in 2014 and lifted the doubles trophy two years later with older brother Mischa. A singles crown would cap his impressive return from last year’s ankle surgery and deliver a timely confidence surge before the All-England Club. Key match facts for SEO watchers: Alexander Zverev vs Daniil Medvedev semifinal, Terra Wortmann Open 2025, Halle Open live stream details, start time 2 p.m. local (12 p.m. UTC). German star fights off illness, aims for first grass-court title and historic hometown triumph. Fans can follow live scores on the ATP Tour website while BBC Sport will provide updates for UK viewers.