Alexander Zverev continues to star at the Masters 1000 level, having beaten Flavio Cobolli yesterday to reach the semi-finals in Madrid.
The 28-year-old is no stranger to success at this event, having been a two-time winner in the past.
However, never before has he enjoyed such a consistent start to the season at this level, having actually made history with his latest win over the youngster.
Speaking afterwards, he unsurprisingly cut an upbeat figure.
And, when asked about Cobolli, Alexander Zverev was more than happy to explain what their relationship is really like off the court.
Alexander Zverev discusses Flavio Cobolli after beating him
Chatting to Tennis TV whilst still on court, the German was asked whether this felt like revenge after Cobolli had beaten him in Munich just last month.
“No revenge,” Zverev began. “I love Flavio.”
Do you really believe that Alexander Zverev can win a Grand Slam title?
He instead suggested: “He’s one of my favourite guys on tour. He knows that. I have a great relationship with him, a great relationship with his father.
“You know, this is sport. Sport can change very, very quickly.
“In Munich, he played a great match; I didn’t play a very good match. Today, maybe it was the opposite. I played an amazing first set. He didn’t play an amazing first set.
“In sports, it’s like that, and definitely happy with the win.”
Alexander Zverev’s historic run at Masters 1000 events
Whilst everyone is raving about Sinner’s incredible win streak at Masters 1000 events, Zverev has quietly shone too, despite failing to claim a title since the 2024 event in Paris.
After all, by beating Cobolli, he reached a fifth consecutive semi-final at this level, in doing so creating history alongside the current world number one.
Which ATP youngster will win a Masters 1000 title first?
Joao Fonseca, Rafael Jodar, Arthur Fils, or Alexander Blockx…
They are now the first pair to reach the semi-final at five or more consecutive ATP Masters 1000 events, and could still face one another in the final at the Madrid Open.
It’s a testament to Zverev’s incredible ability to continue reaching the latter stages of events that he has achieved this feat, and an even greater indication of his mental strength that he can keep coming back despite failing to go all the way.
He plays youngster Alexander Blockx for a spot in the final.