Zverev beats former champion Rune to set up Paris Masters final against Khachanov or Humbert

PARIS – Alexander Zverev reached the final of the Paris Masters for the second time after defeating former champion Holger Rune 6-3, 7-6 (4) on Saturday.

Zverev, the 2020 runner-up here, will next play 2018 champion Karen Khachanov or 15th-seeded Frenchman Hugo Humbert.

Victory on Sunday would give Zverev his seventh Masters title and also move him past number one Jannik Sinner for the most wins on the ATP Tour this year. They have a tie of 65.

Rune saved one match point with a brilliant forehand winner, but third-ranked Zverev kept his composure on the next, firing a crisp backhand into the net.

“I feel like I made it a little difficult for myself, but he’s a champion. This is probably his favorite tournament and favorite venue,” said 27-year-old Zverev. “I’m delighted to be here in my second final, I’m looking forward to it.”

Zverev largely controlled the game against Rune in their fourth career meeting and first on indoor hard courts. The French Open runner-up improved to 3-1 overall against his opponent, who won the 2022 Paris Masters, by stunning Novak Djokovic in the final.

Rune saved a break point on his first serve, fighting from the back of the court.

Zverev broke it in the fourth game when Rune failed to land a two-handed backhand and he held serve for a 4-1 lead in a commanding first set, sealing it as his opponent returned to the long game.

He brought the 13th-ranked Danish player to serve for the first time at 5–4, but Rune fought back.

The long 11th game saw both players miss chances and it reached deuce at six before Rune finally won it with a backhand shot into the goal.

This was the end of his resistance, and Zverev was calm in the next serve and in the tiebreaker.

The German standout is seeking his second title of the year and 23rd overall.