Nadal downed by in-form Zverev in Paris semis

Rafael Nadal succumbed to the in-form Alexander Zverev, who booked his place in the Paris Masters final with an impressive 6-4 7-5 last-four triumph on Saturday.

Zverev became the first German in 25 years to reach the final of the tournament in the French capital to make it 21 wins from 23 matches since the start of the US Open.

The world number seven, who reached his first slam final at Flushing Meadows, has won 12 straight contests and the manner of his latest victory against the legendary Nadal will be particularly pleasing.

Nadal was aiming to match Novak Djokovic's record of 36 Masters 1000 titles this week but struggled to make a dent on his opponent, who won his opening eight service games.

@alexzverev advances to the final in Paris.@rolexpmasters | #rolexparismasters pic.twitter.com/x2LKLXJxTd
— ATP Tour (@atptour) November 7, 2020

Not for nothing is the Spaniard a 20-time grand slam winner, though, and a shift in return position initially left Zverev flummoxed as the second set was tied up at 4-4.

But Zverev – who served 13 aces throughout the match – kept his composure and broke in the final game of the second set to defeat Nadal for just the second time and reach a seventh final at this level.

Awaiting in a Sunday showdown is Daniil Medvedev, a man Zverev has beaten five times in six career ATP meetings against the Russian.