Top-seeded Alexander Zverev has advanced to the semi-finals of the Stuttgart Open, keeping his dream of a maiden grasscourt title alive with a convincing 7-5, 6-4 win over American Brandon Nakashima.
In front of a home crowd, the German star delivered a confident performance on Friday, sealing the quarter-final in just 90 minutes.
Zverev battled through a tightly contested opening set, breaking Nakashima at 6-5 to gain the upper hand. With momentum on his side, Zverev lifted his game in the second set, firing a total of 31 winners and showing clear intent to dominate on grass.
“I’m feeling great on court right now. I’m enjoying my tennis and feeling really good here in Stuttgart. The job isn’t done yet, but I’m ready for the challenge,” Zverev said post-match.
Awaiting Zverev in the semi-finals is third seed Ben Shelton, who produced one of his best performances of the season to defeat Czech star Jiri Lehecka 6-4, 6-4.
Shelton was clinical on serve, sending down 18 aces and not losing a single point on his first serve in the second set. With this victory, Shelton is set to enter the ATP Top 10 for the first time in his career—an impressive milestone for the 21-year-old American.
In other quarter-final action, Taylor Fritz extended his impressive form by defeating Hungary’s Marton Fucsovics 6-3, 6-4. Fritz, who has yet to drop a set in Stuttgart, served 12 aces and will now face Canadian Felix Auger-Aliassime in the semi-finals.
Auger-Aliassime ended the dream run of 17-year-old wildcard Justin Engel, who had turned heads earlier in the week with a surprise win over Alex Michelsen.
The Canadian prevailed 7-6(3), 6-3, relying on a consistent serve to neutralize Engel’s youthful momentum. “His serve was so good today, it kept me under constant pressure,” Engel admitted after the match.
As the Stuttgart Open heads into its final weekend, the stage is set for electrifying semi-final clashes. With Zverev, Shelton, Fritz, and Auger-Aliassime all vying for the title, fans can expect thrilling grasscourt tennis as the tournament reaches its climax.