Alcaraz battles past Zverev in epic Australian Open semi-final

2026-01-30 - 10:48

By Enitan Abdultawab Carlos Alcaraz summoned extraordinary physical and mental strength to defeat Alexander Zverev in a dramatic five-set marathon and reach his first Australian Open final. The Spanish world number one prevailed 6-4, 7-6 (7-5), 6-7 (3-7), 6-7 (4-7), 7-5 in a gripping contest lasting five hours and 27 minutes — the longest men’s semi-final in Australian Open history. Alcaraz had looked in control after taking the opening two sets, but the match turned dramatically in the third when he suddenly began to cramp while serving at 4-4. Struggling to move and serve, the 22-year-old required a medical timeout, much to the frustration of third seed Zverev. The German seized the momentum, pushing the match into a deciding fifth set, where he broke early and later served for victory at 5-4. But with the Melbourne crowd roaring behind him, Alcaraz mounted a remarkable comeback. He broke Zverev to level the set and then applied relentless pressure as the German served to stay in the match at 6-5. A missed backhand from Zverev sealed the contest, sending Alcaraz collapsing to the court in disbelief. “I always say you have to believe in yourself, no matter what,” Alcaraz said afterward. “I wouldn’t be here without the crowd. The way they pushed me back into the match on every point was incredible.” The victory keeps Alcaraz on course to make history. A win in Sunday’s final would make him the youngest man ever to complete a career Grand Slam. Only Novak Djokovic — and Alcaraz’s physical condition — stand between him and a fourth consecutive Grand Slam final showdown with Jannik Sinner. Djokovic, chasing a record 25th major singles title, faces world number two Sinner later on Friday.