Alexander Zverev progressed to the semi-finals of the Australian Open with a 7-6 (7-1) 7-6 (7-0) 2-6 6-1 defeat of Tommy Paul.

It was not exactly a routine win for Zverev, who required two tie-breaks and found himself 3-0 down in the second set.

However, after slipping up in the third set, the German – who lost to Daniil Medvedev in last year's semi-finals – displayed his quality in a clinical fourth.

Having clipped to a 7-0 win in the second-set tie-break, Zverev offered Paul hope with two poor service games in the third. Yet he responded brilliantly, thumping his way into a 5-0 lead.

A lashed passing shot teed up Zverev's first match point, which 2023 Australian Open semi-finalist Paul brilliantly clawed back by scampering to make a backhand.

An overhit backhand from Paul handed Zverev a second chance, only for the tables to be turned after a sloppy bit of net play and a deft drop shot from the American.

Paul squandered not one, but two break opportunities, though, and at the third time of asking, Zverev sealed a three-hour, 28-minute win with a blistering ace.

Next up for Zverev will be the winner of Wednesday's titanic tussle between Carlos Alcaraz and Novak Djokovic.

0 - Alexander Zverev has become the first player to win a tie-break 7-0 from QF and onwards at the Australian Open since Andy Roddick in 2004 vs Marat Safin. Rude.#AO2025 | @AustralianOpen @atptour

— OptaAce (@OptaAce) January 21, 2025

Data Debrief: Another feather in the cap

Zverev was left furious after the chair umpire called for a point he won to be replayed during the second set, due to a feather falling onto the court.

However, he overcame that frustration to push on into the last four at Melbourne Park for the third time.

Since Zverev reached his first major semi-final at the 2020 Australian Open, only Novak Djokovic (13) has more such appearances than the 27-year-old (nine).

He has now registered his 30th win at the Australian Open, becoming the German with the most wins at the tournament during the Open Era.