Carlos Alcaraz of Spain secured a hard-fought victory over Alexander Zverev of Germany in the Australian Open semifinals, winning 6-4, 7-6(5), 6-7(3), 6-7(4), 7-5. The match, lasting 5 hours and 27 minutes, stands as the third-longest in Australian Open history and the second-longest in a men’s major semifinal.
A Test of Endurance
Alcaraz’s path to the final was fraught with challenges, including debilitating cramps and a bout of vomiting during the third set. He required a medical timeout to address the cramps, a decision that drew criticism from Zverev, who expressed his displeasure with the allowance of medical timeouts for cramping issues.
Despite the physical setbacks, Alcaraz managed to rally, attributing his success to unwavering self-belief and a strategic intake of pickle juice to combat the cramps. He ultimately broke Zverev’s serve in the fifth set to close out the match, improving his record to 60-0 when leading two sets to love.
What’s at Stake
Alcaraz will now face either No. 1 Jannik Sinner, the two-time defending champion, or No. 4 Novak Djokovic, who is seeking a record 25th major title, in the final on Sunday. At 22 years old, Alcaraz has the opportunity to become the youngest man to achieve the career Grand Slam, and is pursuing his seventh major title overall.
Zverev, who lost to Sinner in last year’s final, continues his pursuit of a first major title. He had an opportunity to serve for the match in the fifth set but was unable to capitalize.
“Believing. Believing all the time,” Alcaraz said after the match. “I always say that you have to believe in yourself no matter what struggles you’re going through.”
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the final score of the match?
Carlos Alcaraz defeated Alexander Zverev 6-4, 7-6(5), 6-7(3), 6-7(4), 7-5.
How long did the match last?
The match lasted 5 hours and 27 minutes.
What is at stake for Alcaraz in the final?
At 22, Alcaraz is bidding to become the youngest man to capture the career Grand Slam and is seeking his seventh major title.
Given the grueling nature of this semifinal, and the caliber of his potential opponents, what do you think will be the biggest factor in determining the Australian Open champion?
