The dream run for Alexander Zverev continued on Friday. Playing in his hometown of Hamburg, the 17-year-old Zverev rallied to beat compatriot Tobias Kamke 0-6, 7-5, 6-3 to reach the semifinals at the ATP 500 German Open.

“I wasn’t nervous, I just didn’t expect him to play as well as he did in the first set,” said Zverev who won a total of six points in the first set. “He played unbelievable. I just didn’t know what to do. I think I played a really great match after the first set. Luckily I got the break at the beginning of the second [set] and I’m happy with the way I ended it.”

Zverev, who’s father Alex and brother Mischa played on the pro tour, had never won a tour match entering the week. He also was ranked No. 665 at the end of June but will already break into the top 170 after this week.

The Australian Open junior champion is also the first 17-year-old to reach an ATP semifinal since Marin Cilic at smaller 2006 Gstaad event. And if he can make the finals Zverev would become the youngest player to reach a tour-level final since Rafael Nadal lost in the final of Auckland in 2004. Nadal also reached his first semifinal at age 17 at 2003 Umag which was a smaller 250 level event.

After wins over Robin Haase, Mikhail Youzhny, Santiago Giraldo, and today Kamke, the 6-foot-4 Zverev now meets one of the top clay court players in the game, David Ferrer. Ferrer, who is 15 years the elder to Zverev, blew out Pablo Andujar 6-0, 6-2.

“I think the first and second round I didn’t play my good tennis, I just played good in some moments,” said Ferrer. “Today, I played all the match good, without a lot of mistakes and playing aggressive and consistently with my forehand. I’m happy with my game and because I am in the semifinals.”

In the first semifinal, German hope Philipp Kohlschreiber takes on Argentine Leonardo Mayer in a World Cup rematch.

“He’s a tough opponent. He takes a lot of risks,” said Kohlschreiber. “I had a great day. I played a really solid game and I think that was the key to the match. I was returning very well and I was dictating the points. I’m really happy with my performance today and really hungry for the semifinals.”

SATURDAY HAMBURG SCHEDULE
CENTER COURT start 13:00
[4] J Murray (GBR) / J Peers (AUS) vs M Draganja (CRO) / F Mergea (ROU)

Not Before 15:30
[7] P Kohlschreiber (GER) vs L Mayer (ARG)

Not Before 18:00
[1] [WC] D Ferrer (ESP) vs [WC] A Zverev (GER)