Sinner sets up Zverev semi-final at Monte Carlo

Jannik Sinner cruised past Felix Auger-Aliassime to set up a semi-final with Alexander Zverev in the Monte Carlo Masters.

The Italian second seed defeated his Canadian opponent 6-3 6-4 to extend his winning streak in Masters 1000 events to 20 matches - a run during which he has lifted titles at Paris, Indian Wells and Miami.

"I feel like it was a step forwards today," said Sinner, who dropped a set at a Masters event for the first time in 186 days during his last-16 win against Tomas Machac.

"It was a very tough match. I knew I had to get better in certain areas. The serve is not there yet, where I would love it, but all things considered I'm very happy.

"But in any case, very happy to be back in the semis."

Sinner can replace Carlos Alcaraz as the world number one when the rankings are updated on Monday by winning the Monte Carlo tournament.

Germany's Zverev will be the 24-year-old's next opponent after the world number three battled past Brazilian teenager Joao Fonseca 7-5 6-7 (3-7) 6-3 in the quarter-final.

Reigning champion and top seed Alcaraz, meanwhile, booked his last-four place following a 6-3 6-0 win against Alexander Bublik.

The seven-time Grand Slam champion will face the winner of Friday's other quarter-final tie between fifth seed Alex de Minaur and Valentin Vacherot.