“No Revenge” – Zverev Just Happy to Reach Another Masters Semifinal After Win over Cobolli

Alexander Zverev continues to be a pillar of consistency at the biggest tournaments. The German has now made the semifinals in seven of the last eight Masters 1000 events he has played after his 6-1, 6-4 win over Italy’s Flavio Cobolli. 

“It’s amazing,” said Zverev, who has reached the semis at all four Masters events in 2026. “I just need to get past this stage now.” 

To do so, the 2018 and 2021 Madrid champion will have to take out 21-year-old Belgian Alexander Blockx, the player who is in the midst of a breakout week in the Spanish capital. Blockx, a former junior No.1 who is now ranked No. 69, stunned defending champion Casper Ruud earlier on Thursday. 

“I think he has great spirit when he’s on the tennis court. I enjoy watching him play,” Zverev said of his semifinal opponent. “I think he’s a great guy outside of court also, very respectful, and I’m gonna enjoy our first meeting.”

Zverev was upset by Cobolli in Munich a few weeks ago, the Italian earning the biggest win of his career to reach the final. Though he was motivated, it wasn’t revenge that Zverev was after in his fourth career meeting with the No. 13-ranked Italian. 

“No revenge,” Zverev, who improved to 3-1 against Cobolli lifetime, said. “I love Flavio. He’s one of my favorite guys on tour. He knows that. I have a great relationship with him, and a great relationship with his father.” 

Zverev dominated the opener but Cobolli made the second set a grind as he saved six break points across his first three service games to stay on serve. 

But the German converted his seventh to lead 5-4. 

In the next game Cobolli quickly earned two break points but Zverev won four consecutive points from 15-40 to lock up the win. 

“Sport can change very, very quickly,” Zverev said. “In Munich, he played an amazing 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. So, in sports it is like that –  I’m definitely happy with the win.”

Zverev fired 12 aces and won 32 of 39 first serve points. He saved both break points he faced and converted three of 11 against Cobolli’s serve to win in 90 minutes.