Zverev Battles into Halle Open Semifinals After Grueling Match

Alexander Zverev overcame a tough challenge from 20-year-old Arthur Fils, winning in three sets to secure a semifinal spot at the Halle Open. Despite hoping for quicker matches after the French Open, Zverev continues to endure marathon sessions on grass courts. Next, he faces Hubert Hurkacz.

Alexander Zverev was hoping for shorter matches on grass. Think again.

The No. 4-ranked Zverev had to battle back to beat 20-year-old Arthur Fils 6-7 (5), 6-3, 6-4 in 2 1/2 hours on Friday, securing a spot in the semifinals of the Halle Open.

Zverev, still in search of his first grass-court title, aspired to make swift work of opponents after enduring marathon sessions at the French Open, where he lost in five sets to Carlos Alcaraz in the final.

"After the French Open, I was hoping on grass I would play a bit quicker and not play for two-and-a-half, three hours every single match, but I'm continuing what I always do," Zverev joked.

The second-seeded Zverev required three sets to get past qualifier Oscar Otte in the first round and then eliminated Lorenzo Sonego in straight sets.

Zverev, who has won 22 tour titles, will next face Hubert Hurkacz, who defeated Marcos Giron 7-6 (5), 6-4.

In other quarterfinals later Friday, No. 1 Jannik Sinner faced Jan-Lennard Struff before Zhang Zhizhen played Christopher Eubanks.

(This story has not been edited by Devdiscourse staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)