Alexander Zverev has achieved a huge rise in the ATP singles rankings after reaching the semi-finals of the Cincinnati Open, edging closer toward a return to the top 10.

Former world No. 2 Zverev defeated Adrian Mannarino in his quarter-final match at the Western & Southern Open in Ohio 6-2, 6-3. This means he will now progress to a semi-final clash against 23-time Grand Slam champion Novak Djokovic, after having previously won a three-set battle against third seed Daniil Medvedev in the Round of 16, 6-4, 5-7, 6-4.

Speaking after his most recent match, Zverev said that Mannarino is a tough opponent, but he feels as though his own tennis is coming along well.

"I have had a lot of tough battles with Adrian, but I have always played him when I’m playing well," he said, "He has beaten a lot of great players, but I feel like my tennis is coming along quite well."

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Zverev set for a possible top 10 return

Following his success so far at the ATP Masters 1000 tournament, the German player will jump up from No. 17 to No. 12 in the rankings when they are updated on Monday, August 21.

Zverev also has the advantage of having no more ranking points to defend for the rest of 2023, meaning that he could end up comfortably in the top 10 by the end of the season. Moreover, he could even qualify for the Nitto ATP Finals if he has a deep run at the upcoming US Open.

The 26-year-old reached his career-high ranking of No. 2 over a year ago in June 2022, despite having sustained a serious ankle injury that forced him off the court for several months at the 2022 French Open in May.

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Zverev back on form after ankle injury

Zverev spoke to the ATP back in June this year about recovering from his ankle injury.

"I couldn’t play for the first seven months of my injury," he said, "Then for the next three, four months I was still in pain, so I wasn’t pain-free."

He went on to talk about how he dealt with the mental aspects of experiencing an injury.

"I wasn’t able to move the way I wanted to. But, I mean, sometimes it’s also just reminding yourself of who you were and what kind of matches you have won in the past. I think that is important sometimes as well," he said, before adding that he no longer dwells on the injury.

"I don’t think about the injury anymore. I’m going on court to win tennis matches," he added.