Alexander Zverev progressed to his third Monte-Carlo Masters semi-final after beating Joao Fonseca in a three-set thriller.

The world number three prevailed 7-5 6-7 (3-7) 6-3 in two hours and 40 minutes, and will play either Jannik Sinner or Felix Auger-Aliassime in the last four.

Zverev claimed the crucial break in game 11 of a tight opening set, before a love hold moved him halfway to victory.

The German broke again at the start of the second set, but Fonseca responded in the sixth game to make it 3-3.

Both players exchanged further breaks before the Brazilian, appearing in his first ATP Masters 1000 quarter-final, controlled the tie-break to level the contest.

However, Zverev grabbed another important break in game six of the decider, which ultimately proved the difference, and he let out a huge roar as Fonseca found the tape on match point. 

Data Debrief: A perfect 10 for Zverev

The German is only the fourth player since 1990 to reach 10 or more Masters semi-finals on clay, after Rafael Nadal (37), Novak Djokovic (28) and Roger Federer (19). 

Zverev is also the sixth man to reach the last four at all three opening Masters events in the same season.

As for Fonseca, his wait for a first top-five victory in his career continues, with the Brazilian now having lost all five such matches he has contested.