Alexander Zverev is through to the semifinals of the Monte-Carlo Masters for the third time in his career after beating Joao Fonseca.
In his first meeting with the Brazilian teenager, Zverev emerged victorious in three sets, winning 7-5, 6-7, 6-3.
By his own account, the German has not been at his best so far in Monte-Carlo, but has earned wins over Cristian Garin, Zizou Bergs and now Fonseca.
Is the Monte Carlo Masters the best ATP 1000 tournament?
If not, which tournament do you consider to be better?
Zverev will take on Jannik Sinner in the semifinals, against whom he is on a seven-match losing streak at tour-level events.
With his triumph over Fonseca, the 28-year-old has just completed a rare feat only five others have ever managed.
Alexander Zverev makes another semifinal in 2026
Since bowing out in the early stages of the Mexican Open, Zverev has been in fantastic form.
He reached the semifinals at both the Indian Wells Open and the Miami Open, falling to Sinner on both occasions.
Having advanced to the final four once more in Monte-Carlo, Zverev has joined an exclusive club on the ATP Tour.
Where will Alexander Zverev finish 2026 ranked?
The world number three is now the sixth player ever to make the semifinals at all of the first three ATP Masters 1000 tournaments to start the season.
Zverev joins Novak Djokovic, Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, Andy Murray and Sinner in the list of players who have managed to do this.
The last time Alexander Zverev beat Jannik Sinner on the tour
Zverev has had no joy whatsoever in recent years against his next opponent at the Monte-Carlo Masters: Sinner.
He has been beaten in their last seven meetings, and has only managed to take two sets off him across all of them.
The last time Zverev defeated Sinner came at the 2023 US Open, where he emerged victorious in a tough five-set clash.
Zverev won 6-4, 3-6, 6-2, 4-6, 6-3 that day at Flushing Meadows to advance to the quarterfinals.
He was ultimately knocked out by Carlos Alcaraz in the last eight, with the Spaniard clinching the win in straight sets.
Receive exclusive tennis news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
