Carlos Alcaraz beats Alexander Zverev in third longest match of tournament, semi finals, Novak Djokovic vs Jannik Sinner

Carlos Alcaraz has won one of the most dramatic Australian Open semi-finals in history, overcoming a severe bout of cramp to defeat Alexander Zverev in a five-hour, 27-minute classic on Friday evening.

The world No.1 looked down and out late in the third set — despite leading by two sets — and was in significant trouble in the deciding set as well before an astonishing finale saw him prevail 6-4, 7-6 (7-5), 6-7 (3-7), 6-7 (4-7), 7-5.

It is a match that set what has been a record-breaking Australian Open in terms of attendances alight and caught the attention of the tennis world.

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Throughout an extraordinary final set, Zverev seized the initiative early and managed to hold the six-time major champion at bay as he held break points at 2-3 and then 3-4 before finally succumbing when serving for a spot in the final.

With the Rod Laver Arena crowd riding what proved a thrill-a-minute final set, which followed a pulsating encounter in the first four sets, Alcaraz was able to level at 5-all in the decider when Zverev missed a backhand at 5-4.

Having surged ahead, and with Rod Laver Arena shaking given the reaction from the crowd, Alcaraz maintained the pressure on Zverev, who dragged a forehand wide to give the Spanish sensation a match point.

On the following point, after approaching the net to the Alcaraz forehand, the reigning Roland Garros and US Open champion whipped a forehand to the feet of Zverev, who was unable to make a difficult backhand volley.

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As Alcaraz fell to his back, and the crowd at Melbourne Park leapt from their seats, a shattered Zverev could only contemplate another opportunity gone begging in what has been a career of near misses and misfortune deep in grand slams.

The clash between the star duo is the third-longest match in Australian Open history, with only the 2012 final clinched by Novak Djokovic over Rafael Nadal and a second-round clash between Andy Murray and Thanasi Kokkinakis back in 2023 eclipsing it.

Alcaraz will be seeking history on Sunday when he vies to become the youngest man to complete the career Grand Slam, an honour currently held by American Don Budge, who completed the feat just prior to World War II.

But in launching a fifth set counterpunch against a player considered the best not to win a grand slam, Alcaraz has already created history as the youngest man to reach the finals of all four majors.

Throughout a testing first two sets, it appeared as though Alcaraz would progress as expected, but in the infancy of the third set, trouble arose when he appeared to be unwell at a change of ends at 3-2.

As the set progressed, it became increasingly evident the world No.1 was in trouble. Alcaraz has struggled in Melbourne, having never progressed beyond the quarterfinals despite his success elsewhere. The Carlos curse reared again.

Controversy erupted with the score locked at 4-4 in the third set at Rod Laver Arena, with Zverev labelling the chair umpire’s decision to award Alcaraz extra time to recover from an injury as “f***ing bull****”.

The world No.1 was clearly ginger in his upper right leg and groin region, calling for a medical timeout after just managing to hold serve.

The allowance for Alcaraz to receive treatment, for what appeared to be cramp, saw chair umpire Marijana Veljovic quickly become the centre of attention for Zverev.

Players are not allowed to call for a medical time out for cramp, but can have two separate consultations at either changeovers or at the end of a set to receive advice.

The German vented his frustration in no uncertain terms, saying: “This is f***ing bull****!” at the change of ends.

Alcaraz will play the winner of Jannik Sinner and Novak Djokovic in the final, which will take place on Sunday night.

With the cramp worsening, Alcaraz attempted to shorten the points and used his drop shot effectively as Zverev struggled initially to recalibrate his tactics against a wounded rival.

But he was able to deliver his best in the third set tiebreaker as Alcaraz, mindful of the importance of taking as much time as possible for the pickle juice he had taken to alleviate the cramp, delayed play on his serve.

The fourth set became a game of cat and mouse, but it was increasingly clear the dual-Wimbledon, Roland Garros and US Open champion was feeling in far better shape physically. But the No.3 seed had also found his range.

After seizing a second straight tiebreaker Zverev, who fell to Jannik Sinner in last year’s Australian Open final, was able to make the first move in the decider when breaking Alcaraz in the infancy of the set.

With the momentum behind him, another finals berth – and the chance to put an end to his own grand slam hoodoo – was within reach. But Alcaraz is a superstar. And it is wise to never write off a champion.

Having survived the mightiest of scars, the challenge now for the 22-year-old is to recover in time for Sunday night’s final.

Awaiting him there will be either Sinner, with whom he has shared the past eight grand slam titles, or Novak Djokovic, the all-time major record-holder and 10-time Australian Open champion. Best he rest up. But he will believe he can prevail again.

“I always say that you need to believe in yourself, no matter what … I was struggling in the middle of the third set. Physically, it was one of the most physically demanding matches I have ever played in my short career,” Alcaraz told Rod Laver Arena on-court after the match.

The 22-year-old Spaniard has the chance to become the youngest player to ever achieve a ‘Career Slam’ with a win on Sunday, having won a title at each of the other three Grand Slams.

AUSSIES WIN MIXED DOUBLES CROWN… AGAIN

For the first time in 37 years, we have back-to-back champions in the Australian Open mixed doubles – and it’s the wildcards John Peers and Olivia Gadecki.

They came back from a set down to prevail over French pair Kristina Mladenovic and Manuel Guinard 4-6 6-3 [10-8] on Rod Laver Arena.

John Peers and Olivia Gadecki celebrate their second straight Australian Open mixed doubles title.Source: FOX SPORTS

The Aussies trailed 4-6 in the match tiebreak having failed to make a first serve to that point, but pinched a point back off Mladenovic’s racquet to get things on serve at 6-7.

The Aussies then claimed both points on Gadecki’s serve for an 8-7 edge before Peers got a look at Guinard’s second serve to blast massive winner and earn two championship points.

With Gadecki returning Guinard’s serve they couldn’t convert the first, leaving the title on Peers’ racquet. Guinard sent the second serve return into the net.

It’s the first time 1988-89 we’ve seen repeat winners of the mixed doubles title, and they’re the first Aussies to do it since Margaret Court and Ken Fletcher 62 years ago.

DAY 13 PREVIEW (with AFP)

A supremely focused Carlos Alcaraz is two wins away from tennis history, but last year’s finalist Alex Zverev will be looking to spoil the final everyone expects.

The Spanish world number one silenced a partisan Melbourne crowd in brushing aside outclassed home hope Alex de Minaur 7-5, 6-2, 6-1 at Rod Laver Arena on Tuesday.

The 22-year-old Alcaraz is yet to drop a set as he arrows in on a maiden Australian Open crown.

“I’m just really happy how I’m playing every match, each round my level is increasing,” he said, in a warning to his rivals.

“Today I felt really comfortable, playing great tennis that I am really proud of,” added Alcaraz, who had never previously gone beyond the quarter-finals in Australia in four previous visits.

The Australian Open is the only Grand Slam that Alcaraz has not won. Should he beat Zverev and then win Sunday’s final, he would surpass compatriot and legend Rafael Nadal as the youngest man to win all four majors.

Nadal was 24 when he did it.

Spain’s Carlos Alcaraz celebrates victory over Australia’s Alex de Minaur after their men’s singles quarter-final match on day ten of the Australian Open tennis tournament in Melbourne on January 27, 2026. (Photo by DAVID GRAY / AFP)Source: AFP

Alcaraz was delighted to see some of his hard work in the off-season come to fruition.

“I’ve been working on the concentration, the focus. Not having ups and downs in the matches has been one of my main goals,” he said.

German third seed Zverev sent down 24 aces in a 6-3, 6-7 (5/7), 6-1, 7-6 (7/3) victory over Learner Tien of the United States to book his last-four spot.

“I have seen him throughout the whole tournament and I know he is playing great, aggressive tennis,” Alcaraz said of Zverev.

“I have to be ready, not just me but my whole team as well.

“We need to play tactically really well, it’s going to be a great battle.”

Alcaraz and Zverev have met 12 times previously, with each winning six matches.

On the other side of the draw, reigning champion Jannik Sinner must take care of “inspiration” and 24-time grand slam winner Novak Djokovic.

Despite Djokovic’s history, recent form suggests Sinner is more likely to take care of business than Alcaraz.

“We all know what a challenge I am up to,” the relentless Sinner, who is chasing a third Australian title in a row, said of facing Djokovic, 38 after smashing Ben Shelton in straight sets on Wednesday.

“These are the moments you practice for and wake up for in the morning.

“It improves you as a player and a person, we are lucky to have Novak still here playing incredible tennis for his age.”

Sinner has a 6-4 win-loss record over the Serb, but has won their last five encounters.

Djokovic, a record 10-time winner in Melbourne, took his place in the semi-finals when Italian opponent Lorenzo Musetti retired hurt when he was leading the Serb 6-4, 6-3, 1-3.

Sinner, who has now reached a sixth consecutive Grand Slam semi-final, said that Djokovic still set the standard for professionalism.

“Me, as a 24-year-old, I’m lucky to have someone like him in front of my eyes, and I can hopefully learn something,” said Sinner, who together with Alcaraz has dominated the last eight majors.

“He’s an inspiration for all of us and especially the young players,” he added.

AUSTRALIAN OPEN DAY 13 ORDER OF PLAY

Men’s Singles Semi-Finals and Mixed Doubles Final

Rod Laver Arena

Day session from 12pm

[WC] Olivia Gadecki and John Peers (AUS) vs Kristina Mladenovic and Manuel Guinard (FRA)

Not before 2:30pm

[1] Carlos Alcaraz (ESP) vs [3] Alex Zverev (GER)

Night session from 7:30pm

[4] Novak Djokovic (SRB) vs [2] Jannik Sinner (ITA)

Re-live our live updates from Day 13 at Melbourne Park below, and scroll down for more news!