Alexander Zverev battled his way back into the French Open semi-finals on Wednesday, a year after suffering a season-ending ankle injury.
Twelve months ago, the German forced Philippe Chatrier into a wheelchair after forcing him to retire during an intense matchup with Rafael Nadal in the round of sixteen.
Zverev has battled since rejoining the tour in January, but he has now laid his troubles to rest on the clay of Paris.
“That was the most difficult year of my life,” he said.
“I love tennis with all my heart. I’m so happy to be back at this stage, I’m so happy to be able to play in a Roland Garros final again. I can’t be happier.”
Argentinian Etcheverry, 23, did himself huge credit in the biggest match of his career, wowing the Philippe Chatrier crowd with thumping winners and fighting to the end.
But it was Zverev who was just stronger in the big moments, saving six of the nine break-points he faced to make it to the last four here for the third year in a row.
Zverev said of his opponent: “He’s playing incredible tennis, he reminds me a lot of Juan Martin Del Potro, especially in the way he hits his forehand.
“If he continues playing like this, he’s going to be in the quarterfinals here a lot more often for sure, and I think he can be top 10.
“I just had to remember that I have a pair of balls that I can use. I hope; I think I deserved to win. I’m just happy to be through.”
In the last four, Zverev will meet last year’s runner-up, Casper Ruud, who quelled a Holger Rune fightback to win 6-1, 6-2, 3-6, 6-3.
This was a rematch of a night session clash last year that descended into acrimony, with Rune accusing his fellow Scandinavian of celebrating in his face, a claim the Norwegian denied.
