Top Seed Zverev Seals Shanghai Semi-Final Spot on First Match Point
Top seed Alexander Zverev produced his best tennis of the week to sweep past Alex de Minaur and reach the Shanghai Masters semi-finals, where Alejandro Davidovich Fokina awaits after Arthur Gea's injury retirement.
Zverev Dispatches De Minaur to reach Shanghai semis, Davidovich Fokina awaits...
Top seed Alexander Zverev said he took “a huge step up” to dismantle Alex de Minaur 6-4, 6-4 on Thursday and roll into the Shanghai Masters semifinals.
He will play Alejandro Davidovich Fokina, who advanced when France's Arthur Gea retired injured from their quarterfinal after 22 minutes.
Zverev, who will end the year as world No. 1, was tested by the Australian's speed in the first set but sent down a string of dazzling forehands to convert a break point in the fifth game.
Despite a double fault, the German saved three consecutive break points to hold serve and was rewarded in the 10th game, taking the first set with a buttery backhand at the net.
Zverev refused to relent in the second set, setting up another break point in the seventh game to lead 4-3 after De Minaur served into the net.
The 27-year-old Australian hung on for a little longer, but Zverev wasn't sticking around, sealing victory on his first match point.
“Good match for me,” Zverev, 29, said.
“Very satisfied with my level... it was a huge step up from the last couple matches.”
Zverev had needed three sets to win his previous two matches.
France's Gea was playing the biggest match of his career when he retired from his quarterfinal with muscle issues.
The 21-year-old took a medical timeout for work on his lower right side while trailing 1-4 in the first set.
A cruel end to a remarkable run 💔 Arthur Gea's Shanghai debut comes to an unfortunate end as he's forced to retire trailing 4-1 against Davidovich Fokina. @SH_RolexMasters | #RolexShanghaiMasters https://t.co/NTFiID2QbP
— ATP Tour (@atptour) October 15, 2026
He returned to play but ended the match minutes later.
“I felt this morning, during a warm-up, pain in the psoas,” he said, referring to a muscle in the lower back.
He said he received “treatments” and decided to step on court despite being unsure about his fitness.
“I tried from the beginning, but it was not enough to play full and too dangerous for the end of the season.”
“I'm really sad, but it's the best choice I could do,” said the 56th-ranked Gea, who was playing his first tournament at the prestigious ATP 1000 level.
No comments:
Leave comment here