PARIS — Alexander Zverev has advanced to the final of the Paris Masters for the second time, defeating former champion Holger Rune with a score of 6-3, 7-6 (4) on Saturday.

Zverev, who was the runner-up in 2020, is set to face either 2018 winner Karen Khachanov or the 15th-seeded French player Ugo Humbert in the final.

Despite Rune’s efforts, which included saving one match point with a remarkable cross-court forehand winner, the third-seeded Zverev managed to maintain his composure. He secured the victory with a precise backhand volley at the net on the next match point.

Throughout their fourth encounter — and their first on indoor hard courts — Zverev displayed a commanding performance against Rune. This victory brings Zverev’s overall record to 3-1 against his opponent, who previously lifted the Paris Masters trophy in 2022 after a stunning victory over Novak Djokovic in the final.

Rune faced challenges right from the start, initially fighting to save a break point in his first service game as he struggled with his shots from the back of the court. Zverev took advantage of a lapse in Rune’s performance, breaking him in the fourth game when Rune’s two-handed backhand went long, establishing a substantial lead at 4-1 in the first set.

After clinching the first set when Rune returned long, Zverev broke Rune again to serve for the match at 5-4. However, Rune managed to break back immediately. The match then entered a lengthy 11th game, where both players missed multiple opportunities. Eventually, Rune won the game with a backhand volley after hitting a sixth deuce.

This marked the end of Rune’s resistance, as Zverev confidently held his next service game and performed well in the tiebreaker.

The powerful serving German is in pursuit of his second title of the year and his 23rd overall trophy.