Daijiworld Media Network – Melbourne

Melbourne, Jan 30: Top-ranked Carlos Alcaraz overcame cramps and injury to defeat Alexander Zverev in a marathon five-set semifinal, securing his place in the Australian Open final and becoming the youngest man in the Open era to reach the finals of all four Grand Slam events.

The 22-year-old Spaniard won 6-4, 7-6 (5), 6-7 (3), 6-7 (4), 7-5 in a grueling 5-hour, 27-minute encounter on Friday, despite being two points away from victory in the third set.

Alcaraz fell behind early in the fifth set, losing the opening game, and did not break back until Zverev was serving for the match at 5-4. His remarkable composure under pressure helped him convert the crucial break and eventually claim victory.

The top seed, who had not dropped a set in the first five rounds of the tournament, appeared in prime form early, reminiscent of his US Open-winning performance last year. However, in the ninth game of the third set, he began limping due to an upper right leg problem, taking a medical timeout to receive treatment for possible cramping.

Despite visibly limited mobility, Alcaraz continued to hit winners, rally points, and keep the match alive, earning roaring support from the crowd at Rod Laver Arena. Zverev, the 2025 runner-up, retained his composure, taking both the third- and fourth-set tiebreaks, forcing a dramatic fifth set—the first five-setter on the tournament’s Centre Court in 2026.

In the decisive set, Alcaraz saved multiple breakpoints and electrified the crowd with a series of breathtaking winners, including a sliding angled forehand winner in the sixth game. He finally broke Zverev’s serve when the German was serving for the match and held his own serve to seal the epic victory.

Alcaraz will now face either two-time defending champion Jannik Sinner or 10-time Australian Open champion Novak Djokovic in the final, aiming to become the youngest man to complete a career Grand Slam.