World number eight Dominic Thiem says he is feeling fresher than ever after overcoming Alexander Zverev to book his place in the French Open semi-finals.

The Austrian has made it to the last four at Roland Garros on his last two appearances and ensured that record would continue at the expense of Zverev.

He sealed his progression from the quarter-final tie courtesy of a straight-sets victory after his opponent sustained a hamstring injury.

Zverev’s chances of challenging for a maiden Grand Slam crown took a major blow midway through the second set in Paris.

The German required treatment on his hamstring and heavy strapping before eventually going on to lose 6-4 6-2 6-1 in one hour and 50 minutes.

Thiem, who has fallen at the hands of Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal on his two previous semi-final appearances, heads into Friday’s tie as the favourite.

The seventh seed faces Marco Cecchinato following his shock win over Djokovic and insists he is feeling even stronger this year as he hunts for a first Grand Slam title.

Thiem said: “I’m a better player in general, for sure. There was another year of work where I improved and developed my game.

“I think this year I’m physically and mentally fresher than I have been the past two years.

I know how to handle a Grand Slam now, how to get that deep in such a tournament, and I think everything gets better with experience.”