January 30, (THEWILL) — Carlos Alcaraz fought through severe physical distress to defeat Alexander Zverev 6-4, 7-6(5), 6-7(3), 6-7(4), 7-5 in a gruelling Australian Open semi-final lasting more than five hours. The Spaniard was sick into a towel twice during the third set and appeared close to retirement when he pulled up at 4-4, moving so poorly that his continuation seemed unlikely.
Zverev protested when Alcaraz received a medical timeout at the next changeover, telling the supervisor in German that officials were protecting certain players. The German argued his opponent was suffering from cramp, which permits treatment at three changeovers but not a medical timeout. Players can receive timeouts for other injuries, though it remained unclear what Alcaraz had indicated to officials before receiving treatment.
The match turned in the fifth set when Zverev broke immediately and held for 5-3, serving for a place in the final. Alcaraz had missed five break points in the decider but earned two more chances at 5-4, finally converting when Zverev sent a backhand long. The crowd erupted, and the momentum shifted decisively towards the ailing Spaniard.
Alcaraz held for 6-5 and broke Zverev again in the following game, sealing victory with a running forehand before collapsing to the court. His five-set record improved to 15-1, with his only loss in such matches coming at this tournament four years ago against Matteo Berrettini. Zverev had raised his level when serving for the match, striking powerful forehands and saving multiple break points.
The win ranks among the most impressive mental performances of Alcaraz’s career, matching his French Open final comeback from three championship points down against Jannik Sinner last year. He will now contest his first Australian Open final, having overcome what appeared to be an impossible situation when barely able to move in the third set.
Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
