TENNIS: Flawless Zverev cracks Fritz code to reach Wimbledon semi-finals

LONDON — Alexander Zverev advanced to the Wimbledon semifinals after ending a seven-match losing streak against Taylor Fritz with a commanding 6-4, 6-4, 6-2 victory on Tuesday.

The second-seeded German, who won the French Open earlier this year, overcame one of his toughest obstacles in his pursuit of a first Wimbledon title. Zverev had lost his previous seven meetings against Fritz, including their match at the All England Club in 2024.

With the victory, Zverev set up a semifinal clash against Arthur Fery, who defeated Flavio Cobolli in the quarterfinals.

Zverev took control early by breaking Fritz's serve and held firm to claim the opening set despite late pressure from the American. He maintained his momentum in the second set after Fritz took a medical timeout for a nagging right knee issue following the third game.

The German secured another key break to move closer to victory as Fritz struggled to recover. During the match, spectators also cheered after learning that Britain's Arthur Fery had taken a two-set lead in his quarterfinal on Centre Court.

Zverev continued his dominant performance in the third set, producing a brilliant backhand winner to earn a double-break advantage at 4-1 before comfortably serving out the match.

The victory sends Zverev to his first Wimbledon semifinal and the 12th Grand Slam semifinal of his career as he continues his bid for back-to-back major titles. -Reporting by Shrivathsa Sridhar in London; Editing by Alison Williams/Reuters