Updates from first men’s semi-final at 8pm BST, 3pm EST
Andrew Lawrence: in praise of five-set tennis | Mail Billy

“There are people that you don’t see from the outside, but I think he’s somebody that works extremely hard,” were Zverev’s words about Khachanov during his press conference yesterday.

He’s on the practice courts more than most people. He’s always searching for solutions. He’s always trying to find new ways to get better. He has a great coach who I’ve known also since juniors. He’s been with him since juniors. That I respect a lot when people go together for a long time and go together a long way.

We call him ‘The Professor’ because he knows everything about tennis, and he knows every single string tension, knows what everybody does, so that’s quite fun.

We had some great matches. He’s leading the head-to-head, I think, 6-3 if I’m right, tough battles. Last year I won in Canada, which was a very important one after a few defeats that I had against him.

He’s a great guy. I’ve known him for many, many years, somebody that I grew up with playing junior tournaments. Again, I have massive respect for him. I hope it’s going to be a great battle on Friday.

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