The 38-year-old delivered a tactically astute display to prevail 4-6, 6-3, 6-2, 6-4 and reach a record-extending 51st Grand Slam semi-final.
Alexander Zverev has reached at least the semi-finals on each of his last four appearances at Roland Garros.
Alexander Zverev made an impressive start to his latest bid for a first Grand Slam title with a straight-sets victory over American teenager Learner Tien at Roland Garros on Tuesday.
Carlos Alcaraz joined reigning Italian Open champion Alexander Zverev in the last 16 in Rome after seeing off Laslo Djere 7-6 (7/2), 6-2 on centre court on Sunday
Alexander Zverev continued his Italian Open title defence by cruising past qualifier Vilius Gaubas, as Aryna Sabalenka progressed with a battling win.
World number two Alexander Zverev was taken to the limit by Alejandro Davidovich Fokina in a gripping Madrid Open third round battle on Sunday
World number two Alexander Zverev was taken to the limit by Alejandro Davidovich Fokina in a gripping Madrid Open third round battle on Sunday
Germany's world number three Alexander Zverev celebrated his 28th birthday in style on Sunday easing to the ATP Munich title with a 6-2, 6-4 win over American Ben Shelton.
France's Arthur Fils upset top-seed Alexander Zverev with an outstanding display earning him a 3-6, 6-3, 6-4 win over the German in the fourth round of the Miami Open.
Joao Fonseca brought his energetic brand of ultra-attacking tennis, but Alex De Minaur was up to the challenge, coping with both the blistering forehands and the partisan crowd.