Alexander Zverev books berth in French Open semi-finals for fourth consecutive year with win over Alex de Minaur

Alexander Zverev is just one step away from making his maiden appearance in the French Open 2024 final. The German advanced to the semi-finals of Roland Garros with a comprehensive win over Alex de Minaur on Wednesday (June 5), marking his fourth successive appearance in the knockouts.

The World No. 4 showed his resilience and tactical prowess throughout the match to wrap up proceedings 6-4, 7-6 (7/5), 6-4 in under three hours. One of the key highlights of the match came in the second set, where Zverev saved a set point at 5-6 and mounted a decisive 39-shot rally in the tie-break. He eventually sealed the set at the first opportunity.

Speaking after the match, the 27-year-old said it is the mentality that makes you a better player. Zverev attributed his stamina to rigorous offseason work, adding that he has the right mindset to perform at his full potential.

"Everybody in the press keeps asking me what I do for recovery and the answer is very simple -- you don't recover after matches, you recover in the off-season,” Zverev said.

"I have the mindset you have to work harder than everyone else to be the best player. I like to work to my absolute limit. If I do that then playing five sets all of a sudden is not that difficult," he added.

Zverev to face Casper Ruud in semi-final

It is noteworthy that Zverev's achievement came amid a trial over allegations of assault is ongoing in Berlin. However, the former world number two is not willing to let his focus drift away from his on-field goals.

Norwegian Casper Ruud will be Zverev’s hurdle to book a spot in Sunday’s final. Ruud advanced to the semi-finals with a walkover after Novak Djokovic pulled out with an injury. Zverev is coming on the back of an 11-match winning streak, including his recent title at the Rome Masters. "I'm happy to be in another semi-final. Hopefully, I can win one," said the German fourth seed.