Zverev hurt but books semi-final spot in Rome

Alexander Zverev has suffered a nasty fall before rallying to beat Taylor Fritz 6-4 6-3 in the quarter-finals of the Italian Open.

The third-seeded German fell on his stomach and suffered cuts to his wrist and finger after hitting a backhand return in the third game on Thursday (AEST).

He was treated on court before play resumed after a short delay and he returned to attack Fritz's serve, converting three of his five break-point chances and hitting 20 winners en route to a 90-minute victory.

"I still have a little bit of pain, so once the adrenaline settles I'm going to check out tomorrow what it is. But definitely happy with the win," said Zverev.

"Taylor has been one of the best players on clay this year. To have a win like that is great for me, especially after the fall."

The 27-year-old's victory ties him with former world No.3 David Ferrer (nine) for fourth most clay-court ATP Masters 1000 semi-final appearances.

Zverev, the highest seed remaining, is aiming for his sixth ATP Masters 1000 crown and first at that level since Cincinnati in 2021.

He will meet 29th seed Alejandro Tabilo in the last four after the Chilean beat Zhang Zhizhen of China 6-3 6-4.

Following up his upset victories over Novak Djokovic and Karen Khachanov in the previous two rounds, Tabilo, who hasn't dropped a set during his first appearance in Rome, served an ace down the T on his first match point.

Tabilo's clash with 2017 champion Zverev will be his first Masters series semi-final.

The other quarter-final matches are scheduled for Friday. Stefanos Tsitsipas of Greece faces Nicolas Jarry -- another Chilean -- and Poland's Hubert Hurkacz plays American Tommy Paul.

With AP.