Australian Open: Alcaraz outlasts Zverev after 5 hours 27 minutes in record-breaking Semi-Final

Carlos Alcaraz produced a remarkable display of resilience to battle past Alexander Zverev in an Australian Open semi-final epic lasting five hours and 27 minutes, overcoming cramps and physical distress to reach his first final in Melbourne.

The 22-year-old Spaniard, bidding to become the youngest man to complete a career Grand Slam, edged a gripping contest 6-4 7-6 (7-5) 6-7 (3-7) 6-7 (4-7) 7-5 on Rod Laver Arena.

The victory sends Alcaraz into Sunday’s final, where he will face either Novak Djokovic, chasing a record-breaking 25th Grand Slam singles title, or two-time defending champion Jannik Sinner.

Alcaraz appeared close to defeat midway through the match after suffering severe cramp and physical issues during the third set.

Struggling to move and visibly unwell, he lost the set in a tie-break and seemed on the brink as momentum swung firmly in Zverev’s favour.

Despite his condition, Alcaraz relied on extraordinary shot-making, precision and mental toughness to remain competitive and extend the contest.

Speaking afterwards, Alcaraz said belief was the key to his comeback. “I was struggling physically in the middle of the third set.

It was one of the most demanding matches I’ve ever played, but I believed all the time. I put my heart into the match and fought until the last ball,” he said.

“I’m extremely proud and really happy to have the chance to play my first final in Melbourne.”

The match, played in warm conditions approaching 30°C, was the longest of the tournament and the first five-set match on Rod Laver Arena this year.

Controversy arose when Alcaraz was allowed a medical timeout for cramp, a decision that angered Zverev, who felt the rules had been stretched.

Despite his frustration, Zverev later downplayed the issue, calling the encounter “one of the best battles there ever was in Australia”.

Zverev had chances to tilt the match his way, including leading 5-2 in the second set and later breaking early in the deciding fifth.

However, fatigue took its toll and, serving at 5-4 for the match, the German played cautiously and was punished as Alcaraz raised his level once more.

With the crowd behind him, Alcaraz secured back-to-back breaks to clinch victory and book his place in an eighth Grand Slam final, completing one of the most dramatic comebacks in Australian Open history.

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