Melbourne, January 30, 2026: World No. 1 Carlos Alcaraz delivered one of the most dramatic performances in recent tennis history on Friday, defeating Germany’s Alexander Zverev in a gripping five-set semifinal to book his place in the Australian Open men’s final. The Spaniard’s victory in Melbourne Park was sealed after a marathon battle that lasted five hours and 27 minutes, making it the longest men’s semifinal in the tournament’s history.
Alcaraz secured the win with a 6-4, 7-6(5), 6-7(3), 6-7(4), 7-5 scoreline, overcoming significant physical adversity and a spirited challenge from the third-seeded Zverev. The match saw Alcaraz contend with cramps and leg discomfort, yet he demonstrated remarkable resilience to prevail in one of the most intense contests of the 2026 season.
The 22-year-old Spaniard now stands on the brink of even greater history. By reaching the final, Alcaraz became the youngest man in the Open Era to contest the finals of all four Grand Slam tournaments — Australian Open, French Open, Wimbledon and US Open — a testament to his consistency and elite level on the global stage.
Alcaraz’s path to the final was far from straightforward. Though he started strongly and held the advantage early, Zverev fought back fiercely, even holding match points in the deciding set. Alcaraz ultimately broke back at a crucial moment before closing out the win, drawing loud cheers from the packed Rod Laver Arena as he sealed his place in Sunday’s championship match.
Awaiting him will be either defending champion Jannik Sinner or tennis great Novak Djokovic, both of whom are competing in the other semifinal. A win in the final would not only secure Alcaraz’s first Australian Open title but also position him as one of the defining players of his generation.
Alcaraz’s dramatic victory — a blend of skill, endurance and willpower — has captivated fans worldwide and underscored his potential to reshape tennis history.
