A. Rahman
MELBOURNE, Jan. 30, 2026 — Carlos Alcaraz pulled off a stunning comeback against Alexander Zverev in one of the most dramatic semifinals in Australian Open history, earning a place in his first-ever final at the season’s opening Grand Slam.
The world No. 1 Spaniard defeated No. 3-ranked Zverev in a five-set marathon that lasted 5 hours and 27 minutes — the longest semifinal ever recorded at Melbourne Park and among the longest matches in the tournament’s history. Final scores were 6–4, 7–6(5), 6–7(3), 6–7(4), 7–5.
A Gritty Performance Under Pressure
Alcaraz appeared dominant early, winning the first two sets and moving within reach of victory. But midway through the third, he began suffering from severe cramping and right leg discomfort, visibly hampering his mobility and giving Zverev opportunities to fight back.
During the match, Alcaraz received a medical timeout, a moment Zverev later criticized, claiming treatment for cramps shouldn’t be allowed. Despite the controversy, Alcaraz returned to the court and withstood Zverev’s fightback, eventually pushing the match into a deciding fifth set.
Extraordinary Comeback and Historic Achievement
Trailing at various stages of the final set and even facing match points against him, Alcaraz dug deep and mounted a dramatic rally to close out the victory. His resilience under pressure highlighted not only his athletic ability but tested mental toughness often associated with tennis’s elite.
At just 22 years old, Alcaraz also became the youngest man in the Open era to reach the finals of all four major tournaments, putting him one step closer to achieving a career Grand Slam — a feat only a handful of male players have ever accomplished.
Zverev’s Effort and Reaction
Zverev, last year’s runner-up at the Australian Open, fought valiantly throughout the match, pushing one of the sport’s top players to the brink. After the loss, he expressed frustration about Alcaraz’s medical timeout and its impact on the match’s flow, though he acknowledged his own disappointment at falling short in such a grueling contest.
What’s Next
Alcaraz will now face either Jannik Sinner or Novak Djokovic in the Australian Open final, with a chance to win his first title at Melbourne Park and continue a breakout year on the tennis tour.
