PARIS: Third seed Alexander Zverev produced a near-flawless display to outclass former champion Holger Rune 6-3, 7-6(4) on Saturday and return to the Paris Masters final after a gap of four years.

The 27-year-old Zverev next meets Ugo Humbert after the home favourite beat 2018 champion Karen Khachanov 6-7(6), 6-4, 6-3.

`I feel like I made it a little difficult for myself, but he (Rune) is a champion,` Zverev said. `It`s probably his favourite tournament and court.

Zverev shrugged off a late double fault to wrap up the opening set on the back of 11 winners at a packed Palais Omnisports in Bercy.

A tighter second set ensued as Rune ramped up the aggression by serving and volleying at times, but Zverev was undeterred and came up with a powerful smash at the net to break the 21-year-old Dane again in the seventh game.

Rune battled on bravely to level at 5-5 with a break and roared amid loud cheers before edging ahead following a six-deuce game that lasted more than 10 minutes.

After firing big winners on both flanks to force a tiebreak, Zverev took control by racing ahead 3-0 and held his nerve from there to earn a careerhigh 65th win of the season.

In the second semi-final, France`s Humbert exchanged early breaks of serve with Khachanov as both players started nervously.

The 28-year-old Khachanov won four consecutive points until he smashed long on his first set point, but managed to seal the tiebreak second time round when Humbert overhit.

Humbert got the break he needed in the second set to go 3-2 ahead and kept his nose in front to serve out, even hitting an ace on set point after being given a time violation.

Khachanov had to take a medical time-out which visibly limited his movement and Humbert took full advantage as he sealed the win and final spot.

`It is amazing to do it in Paris at my favourite tournament. It is a dream,` Humbert said.

-Agencies