‘Best Ever’ Tennis Propels Tabilo Past Zhang into Rome Semi-Final Against Zverev

Alejandro Tabilo (26) celebrated the best tennis of his career on Wednesday, as his remarkable run at the Rome Open propelled him into the semi-finals with a straight-sets victory over China’s Zhang Zhizhen (27). The Chilean, playing the finest tennis of his life, secured his first-ever semi-final berth at a Masters 1000 event by defeating the unseeded Zhang 6-3, 6-4 in one hour and 26 minutes at the Foro Italico.

Tablo, who stunned the tennis world by knocking out six-time Rome champion Novak Djokovic on Sunday, will face Alexander Zverev in the semi-finals. Zverev advanced by defeating Taylor Fritz 6-4, 6-3.

“It’s just unbelievable, I just can’t believe it right now, still trying to soak this in… Definitely an unforgettable two weeks for me,” an elated Tabilo remarked. “It’s definitely the best tennis of my life right now, but I mean, trying to keep a poker face there because inside I’m just so nervous, every time trying to close out the match gets a little bit tighter.”

Tennis Result

Unlike his hard-fought battle against Karen Khachanov in the previous round, Tabilo faced no break points on Wednesday, cruising to the biggest match of his career at the last major tournament before the French Open.

Zverev, who reached his 18th Masters’ semi-final, experienced a moment of concern after a fall in just the third game on center court at the Foro Italico. The 2017 champion cut his left wrist and a finger, requiring treatment before continuing the match. The fall brought back memories of the serious ankle injury he sustained at the 2022 French Open, which caused him to miss the remainder of the season.

Despite the scare, Zverev defeated Fritz in 90 minutes, firing 20 winners with six aces and not facing a single break point. He is now the highest-ranked player left in the tournament following Daniil Medvedev’s elimination on Tuesday.

The Rome Open has seen several top players withdraw due to injuries, including Italian world number two Jannik Sinner and third-ranked Carlos Alcaraz. Additionally, Holger Rune, last year’s runner-up to Medvedev, Madrid champion Andrey Rublev, and beaten finalist Felix Auger-Aliassime have also been eliminated.

With Djokovic and other top seeds out of the competition, Tabilo and Zverev’s semi-final clash promises to be a highlight as both players vie for a spot in the final of this prestigious tournament.