TENNIS: Special to join 'Big Four' in Masters semi-finals club, says Zverev

Alexander Zverev described it as a special moment after completing his set of ATP Masters 1000 semi-finals at Indian Wells, joining an elite group alongside former world number ones Novak Djokovic, Rafa Nadal, Roger Federer, and Andy Murray.

The German defeated Arthur Fils 6-2, 6-3 on Thursday, becoming only the fifth player in history to reach the semi-finals at all nine Masters tournaments, which are considered just below the four Grand Slams in prestige.

"It's very special to be one of five players in history to ever do it. It's something that I'm very proud of. It's a great thing to have in your career," Zverev said.

Zverev, who is aiming for his eighth Masters title, will face world number two Jannik Sinner in the semi-finals. He is looking for his first victory over the Italian since 2023, after Sinner has won their last five meetings, extending his overall head-to-head record to 6-4.

"I think we had quite tight matches. Even the last few were tight except the one in Paris, where I was hurt," Zverev said, referring to his defeat by Sinner at last year's Paris Masters.

"It's always a challenge. He's been one of the two best players in the world the last two years. Him and Carlos Alcaraz won all the Grand Slams and the big events. Of course it's a challenge, but it's a challenge I'm looking forward to."

-Reporting by Shrivathsa Sridhar in Bengaluru; Editing by Peter Rutherford/Reuters