Alcaraz Triumphs Over Zverev in Marathon Five-Hour Semifinal

On January 30, 2026, Carlos Alcaraz made history by defeating Alexander Zverev in a thrilling five-set semifinal at the Australian Open. This victory earned Alcaraz a place in the finals of all four Grand Slam events, making him the youngest player in the Open Era to achieve this milestone.

Match Details

The match, which lasted an astonishing 5 hours and 27 minutes, ended with the scores of 6-4, 7-6 (5), 6-7 (3), 6-7 (4), and 7-5. This encounter became the longest semifinal in Australian Open history, eclipsing the memorable 2009 battle between Rafael Nadal and Fernando Verdasco.

Stamina and Struggles

• Alcaraz faced cramps and injury during the match.
• He required a medical timeout to address discomfort in his upper right leg.
• Despite leading in sets, he found himself in a challenging situation by the fifth set.

Initially, Alcaraz seemed poised for victory, having dominated the first two sets. However, injuries began to affect his performance, as he struggled with footwork and mobility. After a medical timeout, his form wavered, allowing Zverev to capitalize on the situation.

Turning Point of the Match

As tensions rose, Zverev managed to serve for the match at 5-4 in the final set. Yet, Alcaraz showcased his resilience by breaking Zverev’s serve and subsequently winning the last four games of the match. His determination was evident as he stated, “I kept believing, believing, all the time.”

Quotes and Reflections

After the match, Alcaraz reflected on the physically demanding encounter, stating, “We pushed our bodies to the limit.” He expressed immense satisfaction in coming back from the brink of defeat and ranked this match among the best he had ever played.

Next Challenges

With this win, Alcaraz set his sights on facing either Jannik Sinner or Novak Djokovic in the finals. Djokovic, a seasoned competitor, is in pursuit of his 25th Grand Slam title. Alcaraz’s victory against Zverev has placed him in a strong position in the championship race.

Conclusion

The match was a testament to Alcaraz’s strength and tenacity. As he prepares for his first Australian Open final, he aims not only for glory but also for the prestigious career Grand Slam at just 22 years old.