Carlos Alcaraz survived a major scare as he defied cramp and Alexander Zverev’s comeback from two sets down to reach his first Australian Open final after five hours and 27 minutes. In extending his five-set winning streak to 12 matches, Alcaraz becomes the youngest man in the Open era to reach the finals of all four grand slam tournaments.
The World No 1 looked to be cruising into the final without dropping a set as he led third seed Zverev after two close sets, but as he neared the finish line at 4-4 in the third set the 22-year-old dramatically pulled up, stretching his right leg.
With his movement severely limited, Alcaraz was in serious danger as Zverev forced the fourth set on a tiebreak and then won another tiebreak to take it into the decider. Down a break throughout the fifth set, Alcaraz somehow hung on, giving himself time to recover physically as the semi-final became the longest ever played at the Australian Open.
Alcaraz broke back as Zverev served for the match, and will now face either defending champion Jannik Sinner or Novak Djokovic in Sunday’s final. Should Alcaraz face Sinner in Sunday’s final, the pair would become only the third men’s pair in history to compete in the finals of all four grand slam tournaments. They would also become the second pair - after Djokovic and Rafael Nadal between 2011 and 2012 - to play in four grand slam finals in a row.
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Australian Open latest scores and updates
- Alcaraz recovers from cramp to beat Zverev in record Australian Open semi-final
- Alcaraz through to first Australian Open final after winning in five hours and 27 mins
- Alcaraz was down a break in fifth set after struggling from cramp from two sets up
- Later, Novak Djokovic plots upset against defending champion Jannik Sinner
- Women's final set as Aryna Sabalenka and Elena Rybakina book rematch
- Australia's Olivia Gadecki and John Peers defend mixed doubles title
Start of second semi-final delayed
10:00 , Flo CliffordIt looks like we could be here for a while. There are huge queues to get into Rod Laver Arena. It’s just ticked past 9pm local time.
Why Novak Djokovic’s lucky Australian Open run now faces a major problem
09:53 , Jamie BraidwoodIt certainly feels like there is someone, somewhere watching over Djokovic and guiding the 38-year-old towards what would be a historic, record 25th grand slam title at the Australian Open.
He received a walkover from the fourth round when his opponent, the talented Czech Jakub Mensik, who beat him in the Miami final, withdrew due to an abdominal injury. Djokovic also narrowly avoided being defaulted from the tournament after striking a ball near the head of a ball girl during his third-round win over Botic van de Zandschulp.
Djokovic will also arrive at the business end of the tournament after playing just 11 full sets in Melbourne, his time on court reduced first by three efficient straight-sets wins, then a walkover, and now a retirement when a five-set comeback was required. At 38, he will have plenty left in the tank, which is exactly what Djokovic needed after admitting he “ran out of gas” in defeats to Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz in grand slams semi-finals last year.
But luck can only stretch so far and Djokovic knows he will need a massive improvement when he faces Sinner in their latest semi-final showdown on Friday.
Why Novak Djokovic’s lucky Australian Open run now faces a major problem
Ready for one more?
09:48 , Flo CliffordAnd.... breathe. There’s a break now for the day session ticket holders to leave and the night session holders to get settled ahead of the second semi-final: Novak Djokovic vs Jannik Sinner.
Have we got another thriller on the cards? I’m not sure anyone can handle another match like what we’ve just seen.
Can Alcaraz recover in time for Australian Open final?
09:40 , Jamie BraidwoodRecovery, recovery.
That is the big question ahead of Sunday, where Alcaraz will play Jannik Sinner or Novak Djokovic.
Should Sinner, say, roll through Djokovic in straight-sets, the Italian will have such an advantage.
Alcaraz is looking pretty heavy on his feet as he walks underneath the Rod Laver Arena.
Understandably so after playing for five hours and 27 minutes.
He will keep believing, though.
Carlos Alcaraz looks ahead to his first Australian Open final
09:36 , Jamie BraidwoodJim Courier points out that Carlos Alcaraz will be playing for the career grand slam on Sunday. Not just that, but the chance to become the youngest man of all time to win all four majors.
“Thank you for putting so much pressure on me right now,” Alcaraz laughs. “Kidding, kidding!
“I'm just really, really happy to have the chance to play my first final here in Melbourne.
”It's something that I was pursuing a lot, chasing a lot, having the chance to fight for the title.
“Hopefully on Sunday it's gonna be a great atmosphere. I can't wait. Right now my head is about recovering as much as I can, just to try to be in a good shape, to put a show for you guys.
“See you on Sunday!”
How did Carlos Alcaraz just do that?
09:31 , Jamie Braidwood”Believing, all the time,” he says.
“I always say that you have to believe in yourself no matter what. No matter what you're struggling with , what you've been through, no matter anything. You still believe in yourself all the time.
”I was struggling in the middle of the third set. You know, it's one of the most demanding matches that I have ever played in my short career.
“I've been in this kind of matches before, so I knew what I had to do. I had to put my heart into the match.
“I think I did it. I fought until the last ball. I knew that I was going to have my chances.
“I am just extremely proud with myself and the way that I fought and the way that I came back in the fifth set.”
Alexander Zverev heartbroken by another ridiculous Carlos Alcaraz
09:27 , Jamie BraidwoodNever doubt the guy who came from three Championship points down to win a grand slam final.
But Carlos Alcaraz looked done as he struggled with cramp in the third and fourth sets.
He was down a broke for the whole of the fifth set: Zverev served for the match.
Somehow, he is still unbeaten in five-set matches since he was 18, with 12 wins in a row over the distance.
But Zverev - wow - he really buckled in his last two service games, up 5-4 and down 6-5.
Another bid for a grand slam title ends in heartbreak for the German.
Carlos Alcaraz makes history with Australian Open final
09:19 , Jamie BraidwoodAfter two-time victories at the US Open, Wimbledon and Roland Garros, Carlos Alcaraz is through to his first Australian Open final, completing the set of major finals.
In doing so, the 22-year-old Alcaraz is the youngest man in the Open Era to reach the final at all four grand slam tournaments – ahead of Jim Courier, who achieved the feat in 1993.
He moves one win away from completing the career grand slam, as he bids to become the youngest man in history to complete the career grand slam - ahead of Don Budge, who achieved the feat in 1938. Rafael Nadal is the youngest player to complete the career grand slam in the Open era, and was 24 when he did so in 2010.
That’s not even half of the story, though...
WHAT ON EARTH JUST HAPPENED
09:16 , Jamie BraidwoodCarlos Alcaraz survived a major scare as he defied cramp and Alexander Zverev’s comeback from two sets down to reach his first Australian Open final after five hours and 27 minutes. In extending his five-set winning streak to 12 matches, Alcaraz becomes the youngest man in the Open era to reach the finals of all four grand slam tournaments.
The World No 1 looked to be cruising into the final without dropping a set as he led third seed Zverev after two close sets, but as he neared the finish line at 4-4 in the third set the 22-year-old dramatically pulled up, stretching his right leg.
With his movement severely limited, Alcaraz was in serious danger as Zverev forced the fourth set on a tiebreak and then won another tiebreak to take it into the decider. But Alcaraz somehow hung on, giving himself time to recover physically as the semi-final became the longest ever played at the Australian Open.
The 22-year-old will face either defending champion Jannik Sinner or Novak Djokovic in Sunday’s final.
GAME, SET AND MATCH! Alcaraz 6-4 7-6 (7-5) 6-7 (3-7) 6-7 (4-7) 7-5 Zverev*
09:15 , Jamie BraidwoodZVEREV FIRES LONG ON THE FOREHAND! Alcaraz will have match point!
Five hours, 27 minutes. Is this the end? IT ISSSSSSSSSSSSS!
It’s a miracle from Alcaraz! He has done it and collapses onto his back!
Alcaraz 6-4 7-6 (7-5) 6-7 (3-7) 6-7 (4-7) 6-5 Zverev*
09:14 , Jamie BraidwoodI can’t believe it. Alcaraz dials a stunning backhand return onto the baseline, bringing himself back to within two points of victory at 30-30.
Alcaraz was two points from victory in the third set, about three hours ago.
Zverev lands a first serve and Alcaraz nets, the German attempting to haul himself to a sixth game.
But he then fires long and the third seed will have to face another deuce!
Alcaraz 6-4 7-6 (7-5) 6-7 (3-7) 6-7 (4-7) 6-5 Zverev*
09:09 , Jamie BraidwoodThis guy is a joke. Alcaraz pulls the legs from Zverev as he puts a drop shot over the net, with the German stranded behind the baseline.
And he leads the fifth set! Alcaraz directs the roars as he holds serve. And now it is Zverev who is close to defeat. Ridiculous.
BREAK! *Alcaraz 6-4 7-6 (7-5) 6-7 (3-7) 6-7 (4-7) 5-5 Zverev
09:07 , Jamie BraidwoodFive hours, 18 minutes?
Alcaraz wants more.
BREAK! *Alcaraz 6-4 7-6 (7-5) 6-7 (3-7) 6-7 (4-7) 5-5 Zverev
09:05 , Jamie BraidwoodYou can feel the tension in Zverev’s legs as he serves down two break points. Alcaraz guides the forehand down the line... ZVEREV GOES LONG!
HOW DOES HE DO THIS!
Alcaraz breaks back!
WE ARE GOING ON!
Alcaraz 6-4 7-6 (7-5) 6-7 (3-7) 6-7 (4-7) 4-5 Zverev*
09:04 , Jamie BraidwoodHere we go. Just the start Alcaraz needed. Zverev is hesitant as he comes into the net and Alcaraz picks him off with the backhand pass.
Oooooh this is tense. Now Zverev puts his backhand into the net and for the second game in a row, Alcaraz gets 0-30 to look at.
Zverev retreats... Alcaraz has a shot at the forehand down the line... but he pulls it wide!
NOT THIS TIME! Alcaraz fires a forehand winner crosscourt, scorching past Zverev!
Two break points for the chance to stay alive!
Alcaraz 6-4 7-6 (7-5) 6-7 (3-7) 6-7 (4-7) 4-5 Zverev*
08:59 , Jamie BraidwoodAlcaraz is not done yet. He forces Zverev to serve for his place in the final. On 30-30, Zverev had a look at a volley over the net, but pushes long.
Alcaraz clenches his fist and raises his racket, trying to summon every ounce of spirit he has left.
Over to Zverev. This is now the longest Australian Open semi-final of all time.
*Alcaraz 6-4 7-6 (7-5) 6-7 (3-7) 6-7 (4-7) 3-5 Zverev
08:55 , Jamie BraidwoodZverev lands his serve and guides the forehand into the corner to move to break point.
And the German comes through! A forehand winner blasted down the line.
No hesitation there. He moves one game away.
Alcaraz 6-4 7-6 (7-5) 6-7 (3-7) 6-7 (4-7) 3-4 Zverev*
08:53 , Jamie BraidwoodHere comes Alcaraz again! He gets up to the Zverev volley and whacks the forehand down the line, forcing the miss from Zverev.
Break point. Alcaraz is so close to the line wit the backhand cross, Zverev replies, but Alcaraz then nets on the backhand! Again, he doubles over in exhaustion.
And still Alcaraz moves forward! He attacks Zverev again. Left with a window, he flashes the forehand and Zverev can’t return.
Another break point: oh my goodness... Alcaraz pulls the forehand out! Zverev hangs on once more.
Deuce, still.
Alcaraz 6-4 7-6 (7-5) 6-7 (3-7) 6-7 (4-7) 3-4 Zverev*
08:50 , Jamie BraidwoodThere is footage of the crowds outside the Rod Laver Arena halted in their tracks as they watch the action on the big screen.
And there’s still plenty of twists and turns to come yet as Zverev puts a forehand long on the opening point.
The pressure is building... Zverev goes long on the backhand this time and Alcaraz will have a 0-30 to target!
Alcaraz has a second-serve to look at, too, but Zverev stands up and blasts his forehand down the line.
Zverev produces the first serve, then guides the backhand winner. What an escape this would be.
But, as we pass the five-hour mark, the forehand then breaks down and a nervy error from Zverev sends up to deuce.
Alcaraz 6-4 7-6 (7-5) 6-7 (3-7) 6-7 (4-7) 3-4 Zverev*
08:43 , Jamie BraidwoodAlcaraz rolls through the hold to 15.
Zverev, quite wisely, is saving for efforts for the next two service games that stand between him and pulling off this comeback.
*Alcaraz 6-4 7-6 (7-5) 6-7 (3-7) 6-7 (4-7) 2-4 Zverev
08:41 , Jamie BraidwoodAlcaraz has his hand to his ear, and you know what that means! He someone lunges to reach a Zverev volley, whipping the pick-up past the German.
30-30, Alcaraz senses his moment, and he blasts a forehand winner past Zverev crosscourt! Break point: Alcaraz is somehow able to smile as Zverev finds a big serve, Alcaraz’s forehand kicks up off the net-cord and lands out.
Deuce... what a point! Zverev comes out on top and lands a massive forehand past Alcaraz that leaves the 22-year-old buckled with his head over his knees.
Zverev, after a delay, finds a first serve and Alcaraz goes long on the return! That was a chance. Zverev survives another big test. Alcaraz was surging there.
Alcaraz 6-4 7-6 (7-5) 6-7 (3-7) 6-7 (4-7) 2-3 Zverev*
08:32 , Jamie BraidwoodA hesitant forehand into the net from Zverev is followed by a blistering one from Alcaraz.
But he can’t control the volley on game point as Zverev keeps alive in this game.
Alcaraz replies with a backhand winner, close to perfect, the next forehand less so, as Zverev hangs on.
Alcaraz stays alive! He whips his arms towards the crowd after landing the drop volley.
*Alcaraz 6-4 7-6 (7-5) 6-7 (3-7) 6-7 (4-7) 1-3 Zverev
08:24 , Jamie BraidwoodZverev holds and Alcaraz is raging with his forehand after a couple of key errors on deuce.
Still, Zverev can’t get over the line as Alcaraz puts him under pressure with the backhand return. Zverev nets on a volley near the net!
A second break point in this game. Alcaraz nets on the forehand return, more frustration.
Alcaraz nets again on the forehand, mid-rally this time, and Zverev comes through a major test.
The first of many as he closes in on the final.
*Alcaraz 6-4 7-6 (7-5) 6-7 (3-7) 6-7 (4-7) 0-2 Zverev
08:07 , Jamie BraidwoodJust a reminder, Alcaraz has won his last 11 five-set matches in row and has not lost one since he was 18 in a fourth-round Australian Open defeat to Matteo Berrettini. That record is in danger now, as well as his unbeaten record at grand slams from two sets up.
Zverev now leads this match for the first time since the first set, almost four hours ago.
BREAK! Alcaraz 6-4 7-6 (7-5) 6-7 (3-7) 6-7 (4-7) 0-1 Zverev*
08:04 , Jamie BraidwoodZverev has played both tiebreaks well and continues to ask questions of Alcaraz’s service game.
On 30-30, Alcaraz produces a stunner of a forehand winner down the line.
But Zverev is being far more tolerant in the rallies, even as Alcaraz recovers physically.
A double-fault from Alcaraz on break point! That could be a huge moment right at the start of the fifth set.
*Carlos Alcaraz 6-4 7-6 (7-5) 5-5 Alexander Zverev
06:34 , Jamie BraidwoodCan Alcaraz beat Zverev on one leg? He is having to swing big as he can’t run. But moves two points from victory as Zverev nets on the forehand. 30-30.
Zverev lands a first serve. Alcaraz goes long on the return. Alcaraz nets as Zverev comes through the game.
Carlos Alcaraz 6-4 7-6 (7-5) 5-4 Alexander Zverev*
06:31 , Jamie BraidwoodAlcaraz is getting his right thigh rubbed down from a physio. He is entitled to receive treatment during a medical timeout. But Zverev was furious that he was allowed more time during the changeover. He even called the supervisor to complain.
This is now very dramatic.
Carlos Alcaraz 6-4 7-6 (7-5) 5-4 Alexander Zverev*
06:28 , Jamie BraidwoodAlcaraz has called the medical timeout! Zverev is raging.
Carlos Alcaraz 6-4 7-6 (7-5) 5-4 Alexander Zverev*
06:26 , Jamie BraidwoodAlcaraz is playing on one leg here. He looks to be struggling, massively. He still puts away a drop shot to win a point against Zverev.
Alcaraz goes to the drop shot again. Zverev slides to reach it, but then fires out! Zverev cannot afford to lose this game. Alcaraz can’t run!
Alcaraz blasts the forehand winner. How on earth has he done that. But the Spaniard is in trouble. He need a big recovery at this changeover.
Australia's Gadecki and Peers defend mixed doubles title
03:39 , Jamie BraidwoodAustralia's Olivia Gadecki and John Peers became the first pair in 37 years to successfully defend the Australian Open mixed doubles title, defeating French duo Kristina Mladenovic and Manuel Guinard 4-6 6-3 10-8.
The wildcard pairing became the first team since Jana Novotna and Jim Pugh in 1989 to retain the crown and the first Australian pair to do so since Margaret Court and Ken Fletcher 62 years ago.
The two big questions before Aryna Sabalenka and Elena Rybakina’s Australian Open final rematch
03:30 , Jamie BraidwoodThree years on from an instant classic, Sabalenka’s big-game temperament and Rybakina’s serve will define the Australian Open final after two very different journeys to a long-awaited rematch.
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The two big questions before Sabalenka and Rybakina’s Australian Open final rematch
Is the Australian Open is finally seeing the very best of Alcaraz?
03:08 , Jamie BraidwoodIn the quarter-finals, Carlos Alcaraz was superb in beating Alex de Minaur 7-5 6-2 6-1, ending the in-form home hope’s latest bid. “I think it was a great match in terms of level, of intensity. I think I played probably my best match so far in the tournament,” Alcaraz said. “Just really happy to get through and be able to play my first semi-final here, so just really looking forward to playing it.”
Why the Australian Open is finally seeing the very best of Carlos Alcaraz
