World no. 1 Carlos Alcaraz had to give everything in his first Australian Open semi-final against Alexander Zverev.
The Spaniard battled past physical issues and his rival in a thrilling 6-4, 7-6, 6-7, 6-7, 7-5 victory in five hours and 27 minutes.
ICYMI 😱
Carlos Alcaraz outlasted Alexander Zverev in a five-set thriller to advance to his first Australian Open final 🔥 pic.twitter.com/vQYo4X74Uo
— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) January 30, 2026
The favorite claimed the opening two sets before experiencing physical issues in the third, struggling with cramps and the pain in his right thigh. However, he kept believing in his comeback from start to finish!
Despite reduced movement and shaken confidence, the 22-year-old never lost his focus, even when Alexander served for the win at 5-4 in the decider. World no. 1 bounced back and provided back-to-back return games to emerge at the top and reach the final.
While struggling, Alcaraz knew what he had to do after gaining vast experience over the previous five years. He served well and got broken only once in sets three, four and five.
Carlos Alcaraz, Australian Open 2026© Stream screenshot
He lost two tie breaks but got his rival tired in the closing stages of the duel. Carlos left his heart and everything at Rod Laver Arena and provided another stunning victory to extend his brilliant run in five-setters.
Alcaraz will seek a Career Grand Slam against the most decorated player of all time, Novak Djokovic, who prevailed over Jannik Sinner in the other semi-final.
"Believing all the time. I always say that you have to believe in yourself all the time no matter what struggles you are going through. I was struggling in the middle of the third set.
Physically it was one of the most demanding matches I have ever played in my short career. But I have been in these kind of matches before so I knew what I had to do. I had to put my heart into the match, and I think I did that.
I fought until the last ball, knowing I would have my chances. I was patient in the fifth set, and I'm extremely proud of my serve and the way I came back in the decider," Carlos Alcaraz said.
