Daniil Medvedev showcased resilience and skill, overcoming Alexander Zverev in a thrilling semi-final at the Halle Open. The match, a captivating contest between two top players, concluded with Medvedev securing a 7-6(3), 6-7(1), 6-4 victory. This win propels Medvedev into his first final in 15 months, marking a significant milestone after a period of searching for his top form.

The match was a classic encounter between Medvedev and Zverev, two players very familiar with each other's games. Prior to this Halle semi-final, they had met 19 times, with Medvedev holding a 12-7 lead in their head-to-head record. Their most recent clash was at the Australian Open semi-final in January 2024, where Medvedev prevailed in a grueling five-set match. The Halle semi-final was another tight affair, lasting just under three hours and keeping the crowd on the edge of their seats.

In the first set, both players held serve strongly, leading to a tie-break. Medvedev managed to gain the upper hand, winning the tie-break 7-3 to take the first set. The second set mirrored the first, with neither player able to break serve. However, Zverev, spurred on by the home crowd, dominated the second-set tie-break, winning it 7-1 to force a deciding third set.

Medvedev responded emphatically in the third set, securing an early break and maintaining his lead to close out the match. He displayed composure under pressure, especially after missing three match points on Zverev's serve in the second set. Throughout the match, Medvedev's strategic play and ability to raise his level at crucial moments proved decisive.

For Zverev, the loss was a bitter disappointment, especially playing on home soil. He had been aiming to reach the Halle final for the third time, having been a finalist in 2016 and 2017. Despite the defeat, Zverev showed great resilience and fighting spirit, saving three match points in the second set and pushing Medvedev to his limits. This defeat means Zverev's wait for a maiden grass-court title continues.

Medvedev's journey to the final has been impressive, with victories over Daniel Altmaier, Quentin Halys, and Alex Michelsen, all without dropping a set, leading up to the semi-final. This consistent performance has seen his PIF ATP Live Ranking rise, and he is set to return to the Top 10 on Monday. This marks a significant turnaround for Medvedev, who had not reached a final since March 2024, when he lost to Carlos Alcaraz at Indian Wells.

Looking ahead, Medvedev will face either Alexander Bublik or Karen Khachanov in the final. Bublik defeated Jannik Sinner in the second round, proving his capability on grass, while Khachanov is a seasoned player with a strong all-around game. Regardless of his opponent, Medvedev will be aiming to capture his 21st tour-level title and his first since Rome in May 2023. A victory in Halle would not only end his title drought but also solidify his position as a top contender heading into Wimbledon.