Zverev reaches Madrid semis, joins Federer-Nadal-Sinner in historic Masters feat
Synopsis
Zverev's dominance at the Madrid Open continued with a commanding 6-1, 6-4 dismantling of Cobolli, elevating him to elite company. By reaching the semi-finals at four straight Masters 1000 events this season, he joined an exclusive club of Federer, Nadal, and Sinner—a feat that underscores his consistency at the sport's highest level and his growing clay credentials heading into the French Open.
Key Takeaways
Alexander Zverev defeated Flavio Cobolli 6-1, 6-4 at the Madrid Open on 1 May to reach the semi-finals.
Zverev became the fourth man to reach the semi-finals at each of the first four ATP Masters 1000 events of the season since 1990, joining Federer (2006) , Nadal (2010, 2011) , and Sinner (2026) .
The victory marked Zverev's 179th clay-court win , breaking the German Open Era record previously held by Kohlschreiber .
Zverev holds a perfect 3-0 record in Madrid semi-finals and has won the title twice (2018, 2021).
He will face World No.
69 Alexander Blockx on Friday; Blockx upset defending champion Casper Ruud 6-4, 6-4 to reach his first Masters 1000 semi-final.
Alexander Zverev advanced to the semi-finals of the Madrid Open on 1 May, dispatching Flavio Cobolli 6-1, 6-4 in 90 minutes at the Manolo Santana Stadium. The victory marked a milestone: the German world No. 3 became just the fourth man to reach the semi-finals at each of the first four ATP Masters 1000 events of the season since the series began in 1990, joining Roger Federer (2006), Rafael Nadal (2010, 2011), and Jannik Sinner (2026).
Zverev's clay dominance grows
With the victory over Cobolli, Zverev improved his ATP head-to-head record against the Italian to 3-1 and reached 179 tour-level wins on clay, surpassing Philipp Kohlschreiber for the most by a German man in the Open Era. The Hamburg native controlled the match from the outset, relying on his serve to dictate play.
Serving under pressure
The only moment of genuine tension came at 5-4 in the second set when Zverev was serving for the match. Cobolli fashioned two break points, but Zverev responded with consecutive unreturnable serves to close out the set and match. His composure in that critical juncture underscored why he remains a consistent threat at the Masters 1000 level.
Blockx awaits in Friday semi-final
Zverev will face 21-year-old Belgian Alexander Blockx in Friday's evening session. Blockx, ranked World No. 69, earned his maiden Masters 1000 semi-final by upsetting defending champion Casper Ruud 6-4, 6-4. This clash represents a stark contrast in experience: Blockx makes his first venture into the last four of an ATP tournament, while Zverev will be competing in his seventh Masters 1000 semi-final in the last eight events.
Zverev's Madrid pedigree
Zverev has conquered the Mutua Madrid Open twice—in 2018 and 2021—and holds a perfect 3-0 record in Madrid semi-finals. With a win on Friday, he moves within one match of another title bid at a tournament where he has established himself as a perennial threat. Blockx's upset of Ruud signals a new generation knocking on the door, but Zverev's consistency and pedigree on clay position him as the clear favourite.
Point of View
Nadal, Sinner—at the Masters 1000 level is not hyperbole. What matters is consistency, and the German has delivered it across the season's hardest events. His clay record now stands at 179 wins, surpassing a generation's worth of German excellence. Yet the real test lies ahead: can he convert this dominance into another Madrid title, or will the emerging Blockx represent the changing guard that even Zverev's pedigree cannot hold back?
NationPress
1 May 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What historic feat did Alexander Zverev achieve at the Madrid Open?
Zverev became the fourth man to reach the semi-finals at each of the first four ATP Masters 1000 events of the season since 1990, joining Roger Federer (2006), Rafael Nadal (2010, 2011), and Jannik Sinner (2026). He accomplished this with his 6-1, 6-4 victory over Flavio Cobolli on 1 May.
Who will Zverev face in the Madrid Open semi-final?
Zverev will face 21-year-old Belgian Alexander Blockx on Friday evening. Blockx, ranked World No. 69, earned his maiden Masters 1000 semi-final by defeating defending champion Casper Ruud 6-4, 6-4.
What clay-court record did Zverev break against Cobolli?
With his win over Cobolli, Zverev reached 179 tour-level victories on clay, surpassing Philipp Kohlschreiber's record for the most by a German man in the Open Era.
What is Zverev's record at the Madrid Open?
Zverev holds a perfect 3-0 record in Madrid semi-finals and has won the tournament twice—in 2018 and 2021. He is now two wins away from claiming another title.
How does Blockx's experience compare to Zverev's at this stage?
Blockx is making his first appearance in an ATP Masters 1000 semi-final, while Zverev is competing in his seventh Masters 1000 semi-final in the last eight events, underscoring the experience gap between the two players.
