French Open 2021 placed Novak Djokovic, Rafael Nadal, and Roger Federer in the same half of the main draw. It indirectly helped next-generation stars Stefanos Tsitsipas and Alexander Zverev in reaching the semifinal. Now, the duo will play for a place in the Roland-Garros final, where one of them would either meet the Serb or the Spaniard.

So far, the 22-year-old Greek Tsitsipas had lost only one set in the tournament. Conversely, the 24-year-old German Zverev never dropped a set after losing two in his opening match.

Hence, both entered the Philippe-Chatrier court with the self-belief to win. And what came from it was a battle of the ages going down in tennis history.

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Stefanos Tsitsipas dismantles Alexander Zverev in French Open 2021 SF

The one-handed backhand player from Greek did all the hard work in the opening set. He broke Zverev on his opening serve to confirm a 2-0 lead in the first.

Without a doubt, the nerves on Philippe-Chatrier court were palpable to the fans in the stands and fans watching it digitally. But Tsitsipas stayed level-headed, holding his serve to close the opening set 6-3.

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Feeling the final slip-through him, Zverev wore his aggression in the second set. In response, he earned an early break this time but only to return it in the fifth game. With the set back on serve, Tsitspas showed initial energy again, winning six consecutive games and taking the second set 6-3.

Concerningly, the German missed easy returns and gave away free points from everywhere. Hitting it long when Tsitsipas dropped his racquet, smashed a backhand wide when Tsitsipas was not even in the frame summarised Zverev’s performance.

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Alexander argues with the chair umpire on calling the ball in

Finally finding his rhythm in the third set, Zverev found a break and held his serve for a 5-3 lead. On 15-15, Tsitsipas hit a forehand near the baseline which the linesperson called out. In response, Zverev left the ball away which the chair umpire called in later.

Following that, all his frustration came to the surface as the German landed in an argument with the chair umpire. Zverev insisted chair umpire consider his plea but all in vain. Consequently, he lost the game and had to serve out to stay alive in the match.

In the end, the 24-year-old German served the third set out to keep his chances for the final alive. The score after three sets: 6-3, 6-3, 4-6 in favor of Tsitsipas.

Can Zverev take the next two to meet either the Serb or the Spaniard in the French Open 2021 final on Sunday? Stay tuned.

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