Key event
A weary Alexander Zverev described the decision to allow a medical timeout for a cramping Carlos Alcaraz in their epic Australian Open semi-final as “bullshit”, but didn’t want the matter to take the focus off the quality of Friday’s memorable encounter.
The German failed to capitalise on breaks in the second and fifth sets, as the world No 1 rallied from his physical ailments to win 6-4, 7-6 (5), 6-7 (3), 6-7 (4) 7-5 in five hours and 27 minutes.
Tournament rules allow medical timeouts for injuries but not muscle cramps. However, the decision is left to the attending physio and doctor.
Alcaraz clutched at the inside of his right groin late in the third set and was moving gingerly – indicating either cramp or a more severe injury – and was allowed a medical timeout after seeking attention from the physio.
Zverev, the world No 3, was incensed in the moment and swore at an official as the Spaniard took on fluids, an indication he was trying to alleviate cramp. “He was cramping, so normally you can’t take a medical timeout for cramping,” Zverev said. “I just said it was bullshit, basically.”
Match report
Murmurs around Melbourne Park had been building. That the men’s Australian Open draw had not met expectations in 2026. That matches had been one-sided, and lacking memorable moments. That so-called SinCaraz was a foregone conclusion. That tennis had lost its touch.
Murmur no more. In this year’s first match on Rod Laver Arena to go five sets, Carlos Alcaraz leapt off the canvas to outlast Alexander Zverev 6-4, 7-6 (5), 6-7 (3), 6-7 (4), 7-5 over five hours and 27 minutes – the third longest match in Australian Open history.
It was so long it pushed the second men’s semi-final back more than an hour and left thousands watching on big screens around Melbourne Park. It was filled with more twists and turns than the Great Ocean Road. It was a duel that tossed expectation out the window, and then opened the door and walked out as well.
But that feels like a very apt time for me to wrap.
I’ve been Joey Lynch and thanks to you all for your company. Be sure to open up our separate, night session minute-by-minute for Novak Djokovic (4) and Jannik Sinner (2).
Wow.
Updated
Don't stop, believing, Alcaraz's version ✨ pic.twitter.com/OEkLwC5E4c
— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) January 30, 2026
Thank god I don’t have to blog Novak Djokovic (4) and Jannik Sinner (2). I don’t know how anyone that was following the ups and downs of that will have the emotional energy to do anything for the rest of the evening. Now imagine how the players feel!
WOW. pic.twitter.com/wLbnHiy0li
— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) January 30, 2026
I can’t quite comprehend it. Lions wish they had Alcaraz’s heart. That’s incredible.
He’s somehow fought through an injury that looked set to retire him and instead triumphed in five hours and 27 minutes – the third longest match in Australian Open history.
Longest semifinal in Australian Open history 🙌 https://t.co/IT1ZlJHpvu
— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) January 30, 2026
Updated
Alcaraz defeats Zverev in an all-time classic -- 6-4, 7-6 (7-5), 6-7 (3-7), 6-7 (4-7), 7-5
Carlos Alcaraz* (1) 7-5 6-7 (7-4) 6-7 (7-3) 7-6 (7-5) 6-4 Alexander Zverev (3) This feels like a career-defining moment for Zverev. He must hold to say alive.
Zverev takes the first point, but Alcaraz responds. The German then moves back ahead, but the Spaniard answers back once again with a leaping forehand Zverev can’t contain. The third seed gets ahead once more to set up the hold, and the top seed sends it to deuce.
ZVEREV THEN HOOKS A FOREHAND WIDE! ADVANTAGE ALCARAZ! MATCH POINT ALCARAZ! im losing my mind.
ASFKJGFAS{OGFJHSA}FOILGHBA}SOGIGIH
ALCARAZ IS THROUGH TO THE FINAL! ZVEREV SENT HIS BACKHAND INTO THE NET!
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Alcaraz could hardly walk at the end of the third set. Heck, on some those points he flat out couldn’t – manipulating Zverev around the court with his shot placement to send it to a tiebreaker he’d eventually lose.
A game into the fourth set, Zverev started walking towards the net thinking the Spaniard was about to retire, only to course-correct when the Spaniard kept moving on the change of ends.
But now, after seeing off Zverev serving for the match, Alcaraz is ahead. And for the first time in hours, it feels like momentum is in his corner.
Carlos Alcaraz* (1) 6-5 6-7 (7-4) 6-7 (7-3) 7-6 (7-5) 6-4 Alexander Zverev (3) The crowd can hardly contain its volume with each point now, although there’s clearly more enthusiasm evident when Alcaraz moves ahead, compared to when Zverev brings it back to 15-15.
On second serve, Alcaraz masterfully constructs the next point and moves back ahead when Zverev sends a backhand long. A drop shot and then a forehand then sees him secure the hold. Remarkable.
Updated
Carlos Alcaraz (1) 5-5 6-7 (7-4) 6-7 (7-3) 7-6 (7-5) 6-4 Alexander Zverev* (3) ALCARAZ BREAKS ZVEREV! THE SPANIARD LIVES! WE’RE STILL GOING!
Zverev looks to get to the net and take control but Alcaraz stands his ground on the baseline and whips a passing shot beyond him to take the opening point. It’s then 0-30 when Zverev whips a backhand into the net. Huge point coming up.
After a decent exchange, Alcaraz goes around a forehand, attempting to drive the ball into the corner, but drags it wide. But Alcaraz gets far better set for his next forehand and he brings up two break points!
After another exchange, Zverev goes long with the backhand, giving the break back to Alcaraz! Rod Laver explodes!
Updated
Carlos Alcaraz* (1) 4-5 6-7 (7-4) 6-7 (7-3) 7-6 (7-5) 6-4 Alexander Zverev (3) The weight of the world – and his hopes of becoming the youngest man to ever complete a career Grand Slam – on his shoulders, Alcaraz forces Zverev into an error to open the game.
A forehand sent wide brings Zverev back into it but the world number one responds with a forehand winner and a then a drop shot that induces an error from the German.
Zverev forces the error to keep the game alive but Alcaraz then induces his opponent into sending a forehand long. The Spaniard holds but the third seed will now serve for the match.
Updated
Carlos Alcaraz (1) 3-5 6-7 (7-4) 6-7 (7-3) 7-6 (7-5) 6-4 Alexander Zverev* (3) Alcaraz plays to the crowd as the pair make their way out for the next game – seeking to feed off their energy and somehow find a way over the line.
An unforced forehand and backhand error then move the Spaniard into a 0-30 lead but Zverev once again steadies and claims the next three points as the clock ticks over five hours of match time.
Only Alcaraz isn’t done yet, earning a deuce after Zverev commits an error and then bringing up break point by racing forward to dig out a forehand into the German he can only follow into space.
A 13-shot baseline rally follows – it almost feeling like nobody in the crowd dare draw breath – but Zverev survives when Alcaraz sends a shot into the net. But the crowd roars once more, egged on by the Spaniard, when the German’s attempt to cut off a passing shot ricochets off his racquet!
But none for four on break points this set, Alcaraz then moves to none for five: swinging a forehand long and wide to let Zverev off the hook once more.
It’s then the turn of the third seed to take the advantage, getting to the net to meet a drop shot and firing a forehand beyond the world number one. He then shows the ruthless edge he’s been accused of lacking too many times in the past: whipping a remarkable forehand, an incredible forehand, down the line to take the game.
If he can break Alcaraz, Zverev is off to the final.
Carlos Alcaraz* (1) 3-4 6-7 (7-4) 6-7 (7-3) 7-6 (7-5) 6-4 Alexander Zverev (3) The margins are getting very, very tight for Alcaraz and his hopes of pulling off something incredible but he does what he needs to do in this one: racing to a 40-0 lead that provides him with the buffer needed to absorb a forehand winner from Zverev and secure the hold on the next point.
Updated
Carlos Alcaraz (1) 2-4 6-7 (7-4) 6-7 (7-3) 7-6 (7-5) 6-4 Alexander Zverev* (3) Alcaraz once again moved to get the crowd into things after that last hold. We then have a short delay before Zverev’s next serve – the German needing to wash something down with an extra swig of water before he can resume what is now the longest match of his career.
An unreturnable serve moves the German ahead and he then forces Alcaraz into a forehand error to end a nine-shot rally, before Alcaraz responds with a powerful forehand winner to get on the board.
And then, a moment of magic! Alcaraz sprints across the court and somehow manages to slip a cross-court forehand volley across the face of Zverev. This bloke could hardly walk a few hours ago and now he’s doing that! Break point then follows with a huge forehand! The crowd is loving it!
THIS is what brought on THAT reaction 😯@wwos | @espn | @tntsports | @wowowtennis https://t.co/bo8PJlcmL4 pic.twitter.com/aCSBMxvtvt
— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) January 30, 2026
Zverev, though, is able to steady, bringing up deuce and then moving into the advantage when a lengthy exchange ends with him driving a forehand beyond the reach of Alcaraz, who hunches down in exhaustion after the 17-shot baseline battle. The hold is then consolidated as you might expect: a dominant serve driven down and proving unreturnable for Alcaraz.
Updated
Carlos Alcaraz* (1) 2-3 6-7 (7-4) 6-7 (7-3) 7-6 (7-5) 6-4 Alexander Zverev (3) Anyone rocking up to Rod Laver with tickets to watch Jannik Sinner (2) take on Novak Djokovic (4) has had to find somewhere to park themselves and wait, as that match, which was scheduled to start just about now, is going to have to wait for this remarkable contest to end.
A break at this point likely backbreaking, Alcaraz falls behind early but is able to rally back and take a 40-30 lead. But Zverev recovers and we move to deuce for a second-straight game when Alcaraz’s cross-court volley at the net sails out.
The Spaniard moves into the advantage with a serve-and-backhand combination but commits an unforced forehand error off Zverev’s return on the next exchange. Another forehand winner is sent clear of Zverev and gives Alcaraz another chance at the hold and this time he converts when the German is caught scrambling after a drop shot and shoots a shot into the net.
Updated
Carlos Alcaraz (1) 1-3 6-7 (7-4) 6-7 (7-3) 7-6 (7-5) 6-4 Alexander Zverev* (3) A big backhand soars beyond Alcaraz and gives Zverev the first point, and he gets further in front after moving the Spaniard around and inducing him to fire into the net. A 180 km/h second serve proves unreturnable and moves the German further ahead but Alcaraz is able to rally by claiming the next three points, sending it to deuce!
Break point is then secured with a commanding forehand winner by the world number one – the first one Zverev has been forced to defend since the second set – but the German utilises his powerful serve to see of the danger. Zverev again uses his serve to cramp Alcaraz and induce an error for the advantage but can’t convert: sending a backhand from the baseline into the net.
A second break point is then brought up when Zverev’s attempted volley at the net goes straight down and finds the net but, once more, that powerful serve comes to the aid of the German: sending a delivery down the T that Alcaraz can’t return. The exact same pattern plays out to move the third seed into the advantage. And then, finally, he’s able to secure the hold when a brief baseline exchange ends with Alcaraz fires a forehand into the net.
Updated
If Zverev takes this one from here, I’m going to need someone to whip up an ‘Undertaker loses at Wrestlemania’ type meme to show the German as the 1 in 59-1.
Carlos Alcaraz has never lost a match when two sets up.
— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) January 30, 2026
59-0
😮
Carlos Alcaraz* (1) 1-2 6-7 (7-4) 6-7 (7-3) 7-6 (7-5) 6-4 Alexander Zverev (3) Desperately needing a hold, Alcaraz whips down a serve that Zverev can’t return to open the game and then follows that up with an ace.
A sublime drop shot gets Zverev on the board – not sure Alcaraz is getting to that when fully fit and fresh, let alone hobbled and in a fifth set – but the Spaniard strengthens his position when he watches a Zverev forehand sail long.
The hold is then brought up when Alcaraz fires across a serve that Zverev hooks on the attempted forehand return.
Updated
Carlos Alcaraz (1) 0-2 6-7 (7-4) 6-7 (7-3) 7-6 (7-5) 6-4 Alexander Zverev* (3) Zverev appears to have starred down the mental challenge from Alcaraz refusing to die and answered it. And, at the risk of jinxing him, this looks like his match to lose.
Zverev moves out to a 30-0 lead and while Alacaraz is able to register a point that prevents the hold to love, the German then uses his superior mobility to take the next two points – a dashing move to the net and backhand coming on the latter – and consolidate the break.
Updated
Carlos Alcaraz* (1) 0-1 6-7 (7-4) 6-7 (7-3) 7-6 (7-5) 6-4 Alexander Zverev (3) The first fifth set on Rod Laver this tournament – and just the third in the second week of a Grand Slam since the start of 2025 – gets underway with Alcaraz on serve. And it ends in the best possible manner for Zverev: securing a huge break!
The Spaniard, who has a top record in five set matches but who has never been forced into one after taking a two set lead, takes out the first two points only to be pegged back to 30-30 by Zverev. A big forehand winner sent down the line by Alcaraz brings the crowd to their feet but a lengthy exchange as he seeks to hold instead ends with him being forced to send a shot into the net – moving us to deuce.
A forehand sent long brings up break point and then a double fault seals it!
Updated
Zverev sends the semifinal to a fifth set!
Carlos Alcaraz (1) 6-7 (7-4) 6-7 (7-3) 7-6 (7-5) 6-4 Alexander Zverev (3) We’re approaching the four-hour mark of this match and it’s absolutely gripping.
Buckle up, WE'RE GOING 5️⃣
— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) January 30, 2026
Zverev owns the breaker 7-6(4) to take the fourth.@wwos • @espn • @tntsports • @wowowtennis • #AO26 pic.twitter.com/B1MPjhbKGj
Zverev fires down a dominant 201 km/h ace to move ahead but Alcaraz responds with an unreturnable serve whipped across the German.
Zverev gets the minibreak! He sprints forward on to save a drop shot and then whipping an attempted passing shot back behind him and away from Alcaraz. But Alcaraz gets it right back and then moves ahead with another! And then Zverev gets it back!
Extreme swings of momentum in these past few exchanges as the pair change ends, four hours now officially on the clock. Things level at 3-3, Alcaraz whips a wide serve down and Zverev can’t return it but the German then delivers a huge 201 km/h offering of his own that the Spaniard fails to make proper contact on.
Zverev gets a crucial hold of serve when a forehand return from Alcaraz goes just long and then brings up two set points when the top seeds makes an error on a backhand.
An eight-shot rally then breaks out, one that’s ended when Zverev whips a driven forehand winner beyond Alcaraz. We’re off to a fifth set!
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Carlos Alcaraz* (1) 6-6 6-7 (7-3) 7-6 (7-5) 6-4 Alexander Zverev (3) Alcaraz with his most dominant service game since his physical issues arose: holding to love and sending this to a tiebreak.
Third consecutive tiebreak incoming 🍿@wwos • @espn • @tntsports • @wowowtennis • #AO26 pic.twitter.com/V13h6BZ4Gq
— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) January 30, 2026
Updated
If you’re Jannik Sinner (2) and/or Novak Djokovic (4) you’ve got to be loving this. You’re either going to get an Alcaraz who is clearly battling something in the final, or you’re getting a Zverev forced to battle and sweat through a five set epic. A definite advantage if you’re able to get through tonight’s other semifinal quickly.
Carlos Alcaraz (1) 5-6 6-7 (7-3) 7-6 (7-5) 6-4 Alexander Zverev* (3) Zverev forces a couple of errors to race ahead but Alcaraz again gets that drop shot working to get back into it. Another attempted drop shot – it now his go-to weapon after the arrival of his physical issues late in the third set – falls short though and Zverev then brings up a comfortable hold.
The German needs a break to force a fifth set, otherwise we’re off to a third-straight tiebreak.
Updated
Carlos Alcaraz* (1) 5-5 6-7 (7-3) 7-6 (7-5) 6-4 Alexander Zverev (3) A couple of unforced errors open the door for Zverev (is this the much needed break he needs to open this match up? 👀) but Alcaraz again finds a way to rally – moving ahead 40-30 with a gorgeous forehand sent down the line and beyond Zverev’s reach.
Zverev storms the net to respond to a drop shot and stays there but Alcaraz is just too good, denying a couple of volleys before driving a passing shot through for the hold. He cups his hear to the crowd afterwards – the showman irrepressibly coming out of him.
Are you not entertained?? 👂@wwos • @espn • @tntsports • @wowowtennis • #AO26 pic.twitter.com/VaDj4iz1dX
— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) January 30, 2026
Updated
Carlos Alcaraz (1) 4-5 6-7 (7-3) 7-6 (7-5) 6-4 Alexander Zverev* (3) Alcaraz, having rallied the crowd behind him after securing that last hold, sends a backhand into the net to give up the first point. The big German then starts to move through the gears – firing down a big ace to make it 40-0 and level the game at 138 points won each before then whipping down another ace.
Carlos Alcaraz* (1) 4-4 6-7 (7-3) 7-6 (7-5) 6-4 Alexander Zverev (3) Alcaraz gets moved back wide by Zverev’s forehand return and lifts a forehand of his own wide. An unforced error then moves the Spaniard further ahead – a break would do wonders for Zverev in both the context of the game and his own approach – but Alcaraz responds by taking the next three points.
The hold is then taken when Alcaraz gets Zverev lunging right with a first serve at just 177 km/h and then follows the meekly hit return with a drop shot winner.
Carlos Alcaraz (1) 3-4 6-7 (7-3) 7-6 (7-5) 6-4 Alexander Zverev* (3) A good and important hold from Zverev, moving through the gears to quickly secure the hold and keep this fourth set on serve.
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This has to get into Zverev’s head, right?
He was able to take that third set and keep things going, but a hobbled Alcaraz saw off any attempts to break him early doors and now he’s starting to show signs of being able to move just a bit freer. He’s not going to be able to get back to 100%, you’d think, but will he be able to get himself back to a level that’s good enough?
With the crowd firmly behind the Spaniard, Zverev must be battling thoughts that his best chance to seize the initiative, and a rare chance to move past of the two titans that stand astride men’s tennis, has passed him by. Seeing out this set in commanding fashion would exorcise plenty of those demons, you’d think, so some crucial moments coming up.
Carlos is feeling it and so is the crowd 🇪🇸
— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) January 30, 2026
The Spaniard saved two break points to make it 3-3 in the fourth set, before Zverev responded with a strong hold.@wwos • @espn • @tntsports • @wowowtennis • #AO26 pic.twitter.com/Rgr8doeqFA
Updated
Carlos Alcaraz* (1) 3-3 6-7 (7-3) 7-6 (7-5) 6-4 Alexander Zverev (3) A big, big moment arises for Zverev when be brings up two break points. A yuuuuge moment. But a commanding ace from Alcaraz erases one of those points and, moving much more freely, the Spaniard gets forward and places a forehand volley winner to bring up deuce.
Zverev then sends a baseline from the backhand into the net and then is forced into a backhand volley error to give up the hold.
Theatre 🎭
— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) January 30, 2026
The last hour has had it all 🫴 pic.twitter.com/7nSiotcZ6i
Updated
Carlos Alcaraz (1) 2-3 6-7 (7-3) 7-6 (7-5) 6-4 Alexander Zverev* (3) A big forehand return moves Alcaraz ahead but Zverev responds by claiming the next two points.
The Spaniard answers back with a big forehand driven down the line and comes this close to bringing up break point when he is able to drag himself forward and whip a forehand beyond Zverev, only to send it just wide. A big serve down the T from the third seed then proves unreturnable, bringing up the hold.
Carlos Alcaraz* (1) 2-2 6-7 (7-3) 7-6 (7-5) 6-4 Alexander Zverev (3) Now, Alcaraz is looking a bit more limber… but he’s still stretching things out and holding just a bit back. And his serve remains all arm.
He sends a forehand into the net to give up the first point but levels things up after drawing Zverev in with a backhand and smashing a forehand beyond him. And there’s a cheeky smile from Alcaraz.
A big serve can’t be returned and moves the Spaniard ahead and though he promptly double faults, another deft drop shot and driven backhand that forces an error gives him the hold.
Carlos Alcaraz (1) 1-2 6-7 (7-3) 7-6 (7-5) 6-4 Alexander Zverev* (3) Alcaraz goes wide with a backhand to give up the first point but produces a remarkable backhand return to force Zverev into an error. The crowd are clearly rallying behind Alcaraz – the chair umpire having to remind them to restrain their cheering ahead of serves.
Zverev fires down a winner to move back ahead but commits an error to level things back up. A couple of commanding serves down the T, however, set the German up for the hold.
Carlos Alcaraz* (1) 1-1 6-7 (7-3) 7-6 (7-5) 6-4 Alexander Zverev (3) Right, how much power is Alcaraz going to be able to generate through the legs on his serve? Ok, clearly, nowhere near as much as he’s normally capable of. But can he recover enough to take another set and move into the final?
Zverev takes the first two points but an unforced error opens the door for the Spaniard, which he pushes open further by taking the next two points. Zverev gets forward to defend a drop shot and then forces deuce with an overhead smash winner but a really well-placed, 200 km/h serve down the T, even without the lower body drives, proves unreturnable.
An unforced error from Zverev brings out a yell of frustration by the German as the hold is secured.
Carlos Alcaraz (1) 0-1 6-7 (7-3) 7-6 (7-5) 6-4 Alexander Zverev* (3) A little but more movement evident from Alcaraz in the first exchanges but he’s unable to lay a glove on Zverev – the German holding to love.
Heyyyooo, the German thought that Alcaraz was about to retire as they moved two change ends. There’s a little nod of contrition from Alcaraz as he corrects course and moves to the other side. We’re continuing.
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Every eye, every camera, and everything else capable of comprehending light bouncing off shapes at Rod Laver Arena is now trained on Alcaraz: attempting to figure out just what kind of physical shape the world number one is in. Phwoar, what a turn of events.
Time on is called and both players head back out onto the court.
Going 4⃣
— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) January 30, 2026
Zverev takes the tiebreak 7-3. pic.twitter.com/4SVrjD2qz0
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Zverev takes the third set against a hobbled Alcaraz
Carlos Alcaraz (1) 6-7 (7-3) 7-6 (7-5) 6-4 Alexander Zverev (3) Right, huge tiebreak coming up. Because based on how Alcaraz is moving and protecting himself right now, getting through a fourth set is no sure thing for the Spaniard.
He takes the first point with an overhand smash winner but Zverev answers back with two unreturnable serves. A backhand return into the net by the German levels things but he then grabs the mini-break when Alcaraz drags a forehand wide.
Alcaraz misses on a forehand to fall further behind as the players change ends, with three hours of match time just brought up, with Zverev then surging further ahead to take a 6-2 lead and bring up four set points.
The world number one saves the first with a deft drop shot Zverev doesn’t attempt to pursue but the serve then goes back to the German and he takes things with an ace.
Carlos Alcaraz (1) 6-6 7-6 (7-5) 6-4 Alexander Zverev* (3) For a match that looked to have had most of the drama sucked out of it, this is suddenly absolute box office. AND NOW ZVEREV DOUBLE FAULTS. AND NOW ALCARAZ STANDS ON THE SPOT AND WHIPS A FOREHAND WINNER DOWN THE LINE.
Zverev fires down a much-needed ace to respond, it definitely looks like this, especially Alcaraz being granted a medical timeout when he feels he shouldn’t be allowed one, has all knocked him off his mental game. Alcaraz sends a return long to return things to 30-30 and then lofts a lob just long to fall behind 40-30.
Zverev then tees in on Alcaraz’s lack of movement, sending a backhand behind the Spaniard to bring up a tiebreak.
All eyes on Carlos 👀 pic.twitter.com/wclR9qFPwq
— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) January 30, 2026
Carlos Alcaraz* (1) 6-5 7-6 (7-5) 6-4 Alexander Zverev (3) Alcaraz’s serve is all upper body and yet he takes the first point, whipping a forehand winner deep and wide. It’s then 30-0 when Zverev sends a return long.
Is Zverev in his head here? Playing to Alcaraz’s injury rather than just trying to play his game and move through the gears?
A static Alcaraz slices a forehand dropshot wide but a forehand powered away from Zverev on the next point moves him ahead 40-15. This is remarkable stuff.
And now a forehand winner! Consensus from the world feed callers is that Alcaraz is cramping like something else and yet, in a Grand Slam semifinal against the world number three, he’s still managed to hold serve twice.
Carlos Alcaraz (1) 5-5 7-6 (7-5) 6-4 Alexander Zverev* (3) Zverev’s fatigue looks to have vanished, he’s more like a shark right now.
Oh wow. Alcaraz can hardly move as he gives up the first two points. And yet somehow he produces a forehand winner on the next point. And then forces an error on the next return. He’s a one-legged man in an arse-kicking contest and yet he’s hanging in there.
Nonetheless, a backhand return sails long and then a forehand goes into the net. Zverev gets the hold.
We’re on pickle juice watch. Trying to figure out if this was a cramp. At the moment, no sign of the drink on the screen, with the trainer just using the magic hands approach.
Alcaraz is back on his feet and Zverev will serve. No doubt he’ll be eager to test those legs of the Spaniard.
A rally that takes everything 😱#fullycharged #KiaAustralia @kiaaustralia@wwos • @espn • @tntsports • @wowowtennis pic.twitter.com/JfyK6mfQ3s
— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) January 30, 2026
Now, I don’t speak German but I’m pretty sure Zverev is furious that Alcaraz has been granted a medical timeout for what he feels is cramp – which wouldn’t entitle the Spaniard to one.
Oh, ok, he said “bullshit,” I understand that word.
The name on everyone’s mind, of course, is going to be Lorenzo Musetti. The Italian was leading Novak Djokovic two sets to love in the quarterfinals only to be forced to retire hurt. Could lightning be about to strike twice.
Carlos Alcaraz* (1) 5-4 7-6 (7-5) 6-4 Alexander Zverev (3) An overpowering serve-and-volley moves Alcaraz ahead but another drop shot on the next point doesn’t go to plan: Zverev meeting it and inducing the error.
And what’s this?!?!?! Alcaraz looks to be in a bit of discomfort. Cramp? A knee issue? Whatever it is, Zverev smells blood, demanding to the umpire that Alcaraz get back into position to serve. Boy oh boy, wowee.
Alacaraz is somehow able to take three of the next four points, manipulating Zverev around the court with drop shots and lobs, but whatever he’s done has taken plenty of the power and drive from his legs. He’s desperately trying to get to the chair without surrendering the break. He does with a hold. But now the real intrigue begins.
Carlos Alcaraz(1) 4-4 7-6 (7-5) 6-4 Alexander Zverev* (3) A huge hold now needed by Zverev, the German needing to avoid giving his opponent a chance to serve for the match. And things start well for him as he moves out to a quick 30-0 lead.
Alcaraz steers a backhand winner deep into the corner to get on the board but the Spaniard misjudges his attempted drop shot after a defensive lob in the next exchange, surrendering a point that Zverev looked gone in.
The top seed responds with another drop shot on the next exchanges, this one rattled into the net by the advancing Zverev, but the German puts his foot down and secures the hold with an ace.
Carlos Alcaraz*(1) 4-3 7-6 (7-5) 6-4 Alexander Zverev (3) Alcaraz starts things with an ace – his ninth of the match – but Zverev gets to a backhand drop shot and whips a passing forehand beyond the Spaniard to level the game. He then moves ahead when Alcaraz sends a forehand volley into the net but the top seed responds with a second serve Zverev can’t return and another ace to move into position for a hold. That hold is then brought up when a 206 km/h serve is returned long by Zverev.
Carlos Alcaraz(1) 3-3 7-6 (7-5) 6-4 Alexander Zverev* (3) Zverev should have had that first point one, but after moving Alcaraz all over the court he commits a simple forehand error into the net to give up the point. He looks tired, hot and fed up.
Nonetheless, the German gets on the board with the next point and does a much better job at the net when he meets an attempted passing shot at the net with a backhand volley dragged well away from Alcaraz.
A drop shot from the Spaniard drags Zverev forward but he’s well-placed to meet it and set up another volleyed winner, followed by an ace for the hold.
Carlos Alcaraz* (1) 3-2 7-6 (7-5) 6-4 Alexander Zverev (3) A big-time serve-and-forehand that gets sent down the line gets Alcaraz ahead, followed by an ace. A drop volley winner and another ace then brings up the hold to love.
Carlos Alcaraz (1) 2-2 7-6 (7-5) 6-4 Alexander Zverev* (3) A booming forehand from Zverev gets him ahead and he backs that up with another forehand winner after getting forward to meet a backhand gently lofted back over the net. The forehand is really working for the German in this game and potentially his one of the game moves him into position for a hold to love – an opportunity taken when he sends a serve down the T Alcaraz can’t control.
Carlos Alcaraz* (1) 2-1 7-6 (7-5) 6-4 Alexander Zverev (3) The fatigue and sweat increasingly evident on both players – just because we’re not baking through a 45 degree day doesn’t mean it’s not hot – as Alcaraz opens the game with an ace. That sets the scene for a commanding hold to love; another small blow landed against Zverev as he attempts to manufacture a miracle.
Carlos Alcaraz (1) 1-1 7-6 (7-5) 6-4 Alexander Zverev* (3) Zverev gets the ball in his hands, looking to provide a tone setting first service of the third set and making a good start towards these efforts by firing a 204 km/h ace down the T.
A lengthy baseline exchange ends with Alcaraz dragging a forehand just wide and while an unforced error from Zverev gives the Spaniard a point, he moves back into the ascendency with a huge forehand winner.
A ridiculous exchange of volleys, drop shots, lions, tigers, and bears ands with Zverev putting the ball out. But it doesn’t come back to haunt the German, as an unforced error from Alcaraz on the next point gives up the hold.
Carlos Alcaraz* (1) 1-0 7-6 (7-5) 6-4 Alexander Zverev (3) Can Zverev stage a miracle? Well, he secures the first two points of the third set, only for Alcaraz to take the next two. The German earns a break point but Alcaraz gets in his bag of tricks once again to erase it: dragging Zverev forward with a drop shot, sneaking in behind it, and then securing a winner via a simple backhand volley.
Alcaraz forces a backhand volley to take the advantage and then secures the hold with an ace.
🫡 https://t.co/Mj9x0MAom6 pic.twitter.com/qS9N2Y8K24
— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) January 30, 2026
Updated
Carlos Alcaraz takes the second set in a tiebreak.
Carlos Alcaraz (1) 7-6 (7-5) 6-4 Alexander Zverev (3) Getting the mini-break at the exact moment he needed one, Alcaraz takes the second set and, with it, puts one foot in a first-ever Australian Open final. It’s really hard to see Zverev coming back from two sets to love down.
Within touching distance...
— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) January 30, 2026
Alcaraz snatches the tiebreak 7-5, to get just one set away from the final. pic.twitter.com/ONlaG6dL3H
The German steps up to serve first – the big server maybe at an advantage in the tiebreak? – and goes ahead when Alcaraz sends a backcourt backhand long. Alcaraz moves Zverev around on his first serve and then takes the next point with a backhand volley at the net and then holds serve when Zverev sends a return long.
Back-to-back errors from the Spaniard as he attempts to return sees Zverev hold serve, a feat which is matched by Alcaraz thanks to a backhand drop shot winner that leaves his opponent scrambling and a backhand cross-court winner after dragging Zverev forward.
A serve-and-volley combination by the German allows him to force an error and answer back, and he then moves ahead when a long rally is broken up by an Alcaraz backhand error.
Thus far, neither man has blinked while on serve in the tiebreak and the world number one continues that trend when he forces a forehand return error and, after seeing Zverev storming forward, cramp him enough to induce him to send a volleyed backhand wide.
Something has to give, surely! And yep, it does: Zverev desperately stretched as he’s moved around the backcourt and slice a forehand error off his racquet.
Updated
Carlos Alcaraz* (1) 6-6 6-4 Alexander Zverev (3) Zverev takes as long as he’s able to on the change of ends – the type one diabetic needing to monitor his blood sugar levels – before the duo head back out there, over an hour now gone in this second set.
Looking to force a tiebreak, a big baseline backhand from Alcaraz secures the first point and a neat little serve-and-volley then grabs him the second. An unforced baseline error from Zverev puts the top seed into position for an easy hold to love and he takes it with a second serve ace. A tiebreak will be needed!
A tiebreak will decide this second set, Zverev and Alcaraz neck and neck 🍿 pic.twitter.com/UkQQKC9old
— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) January 30, 2026
Updated
Carlos Alcaraz (1) 5-6 6-4 Alexander Zverev* (3) An eight shot rally breaks out on Zverev’s second serve, one ended when Alcaraz draws his opponent with a drop shot and then whips a passing forehand beyond him. Zverev responds with a 203 km/h serve down the T that Alcaraz can’t keep in, only for the Spaniard to prove able to get to a 209 km/h serve on the next point and start a rally that ends with Zverev sending a baseline forehand, with plenty of pace taken off it, into the net.
Two break points are then brought up when Alcaraz returns a 207 km/h serve and then constructs a point that allows him to get to the net and kiss a forehand winner away from the third seed.
Some patient but booming baseline work eventuates from Zverev as he looks to respond and, eventually, he’s rewarded when Alcaraz fires into the net. We’re then sent to deuce when, with both players showing signs of fatigue, the German fires an ace down the T.
Alcaraz sends a forehand return long to surrender the advantage but restores the game back to deuce with a passing backhand that Zverev has no chance of reaching. The German moves into the advantage again when he sends a serve wide and Alcaraz lifts his forehand return long and then sees off the breaks and secures the hold when he quickly responds to a drop shot attempt and blasts an overhead winner behind Alcaraz.
Carlos Alcaraz* (1) 5-5 6-4 Alexander Zverev (3) After doing the hard work to get the break back, Alcaraz now steps up looking to keep this set going with a hold. And things start well in this quest as he takes the first points, inducing Zverev into a racquet change.
The new tools do the job on their first point, just keeping a looping forehand return in and giving Alcaraz the opportunity to commit an unforced forehand error to drop the point. Only they don’t go so well on the next one, Zverev slicing a backhand attempt just out.
The hold is subsequently locked up with an aggressive serve-and-forehand combination.
Carlos Alcaraz (1) 4-5 6-4 Alexander Zverev* (3) Zverev steps up, looking to use that big ole’ serve of his to even things up at a set apiece. Nope.
The first point doesn’t go to plan, Zverev sending a backhand into the net, and neither does the second, the German lifting a baseline forehand long, long, long.
Zverev gets on the board when a well-placed backhand stretches Alcaraz and induces a forehand into the net but he can’t build on that: whiffing a forehand from the baseline into the net to give up two break points.
A big booming serve gets Alcaraz moving to his right in a hurry and unable to keep a return in. Alcaraz, though, steps up when the pressure is on, constructing a point that sees Zverev finally send a backhand into the net and surrender the break.
No lip readers required here. https://t.co/JVEEveOPwo pic.twitter.com/6rGCkpclFi
— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) January 30, 2026
Updated
Carlos Alcaraz* (1) 3-5 6-4 Alexander Zverev (3) A forced and an unforced error, the latter at the end of a 13-shot rally, move Alcaraz ahead as he looks to hold serve and keep the second set alive. But Zverev then gets on the board with an unforced baseline backhand error from the top seed.
A booming forehand return on second serve gets Alcaraz out of shape and he sends a backhand into the net but a long and high backhand return goes long – drawing a groan of frustration from Zverev – and puts the Spaniard in position to hold by moving Zverev left, getting to the net, and guiding a forehand winner right.
Carlos Alcaraz (1) 2-5 6-4 Alexander Zverev* (3) New balls are delivered, just in time for the big serving German to blast down an ace. Both players send baseline shots long, moving Zverev ahead to 30-15 before it’s tied up when the third seed attempts a serve-and-volley but puts the latter shot out.
Some great movement from Zverev sees him get to the net and guide a forehand winner out of Alacaraz’s (lengthy) range and break is consolidated when the top seed sends a forehand return long.
Carlos Alcaraz* (1) 2-4 6-4 Alexander Zverev (3) Zverev drives a forehand down the line and takes the opening point when Alcaraz can’t get his return back over the net. It’s then 0-30 when a backhand error from the baseline sees the top seed fall further behind. An opening?
It is an opening! Three break points are brought up by the German when Alcaraz’s circus shots are met by Zverev in kind and the Spaniard produces an error. The first of those are seen off when Zverev can’t return serve and the second when Alcaraz gets forward and sends down an overhead smash.
But on second serve, the break comes when Alcaraz opts to run around Zverev’s off-balance return and sends an unforced forehand error long.
Carlos Alcaraz (1) 2-3 6-4 Alexander Zverev* (3) Wow! Alcaraz is here, there, and everywhere as Zverev moves him around the court, before finally being put away with a backhand sent behind him at the end of a 13-shot rally. A really good return levels things up but Zverev moves back ahead with a serve Alcaraz can’t return.
Alcaraz sends a baseline forehand return into the net to fall behind 40-15 and Zverev sees him off with an ace.
Carlos Alcaraz* (1) 2-2 6-4 Alexander Zverev (3) As we move past an hour played, some audacious tennis from both men get forward, before Alcaraz ultimately takes the point with a backhand winner. Oohs and ahhs from the crowd after that one.
A much more anticlimactic double fault – Alcaraz’s second of the match – levels things but an unreturnable serve then restores the advantage. A booming forehand winner puts the top seed into a position for a straightforward hold but he sends a backhand into the net on the next point.
But it’s a temporary setback, as Alcaraz demonstrates sublime control as he bends a forehand just over the net to cheekily claim the hold.
Carlos Alcaraz (1) 1-2 6-4 Alexander Zverev* (3) Zverev gets to the net and while Alcaraz keeps the point alive longer than he has any right to, he can’t chase down a backhand winner. An unreturnable serve moves the third seed further ahead but he’s pegged back to 30-15 when his attempt to dig out a baseline backhand lifts just long.
A big 199 km/h serve fools Alcaraz and he can’t make any kind of proper contact with his return and a much more straightforward hold is secured when a powerful serve sets the scene for a point in which he gets to the net and smashes down an overhead winner.
Carlos Alcaraz* (1) 1-1 6-4 Alexander Zverev (3) The chair umpire looks a bit perturbed when Alcaraz is forced to pause for a moment as Zverev chats with his team.
The German then moves ahead on the game’s first serve, only for Alcaraz to send down an unreturnable serve to level it. Alcaraz forces Zverev back to the wall and takes the next point after the German’s return of an overhead smash just can’t clear the net and then moves to 40-15 after his foes drags a shot wide.
Alcaraz gets to the net to try and claim the quick hold but a cheekily magnificent passing forehand from the baseline gives the point to Zverev. We the head for another deuce when the top seed sends a backhand long.
A long forehand ends a brief baseline exchange and gives the advantage to Alcaraz, which he takes when he gets to the net and watches as Zverev sends a lob beyond the baseline.
Carlos Alcaraz (1) 0-1 6-4 Alexander Zverev* (3) Well. That first game took a while.
yes, really https://t.co/r0p6vRPw4c pic.twitter.com/V8FmKBHeWE
— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) January 30, 2026
The pair exchange points to open the second set, before Zverev moves ahead with a big ace whipped across the face of Alcaraz. The Spaniard responds by getting to the net on the next point and guiding a forehand winner behind Zverev and then whips down a fantastic, fully-extended forehand down the line in the next exchange that Zverev sends long.
The early break point is seen off by Zverev and he then takes the advantage when Alcaraz gets underneath a forehand and goes long to end an extended baseline rally.
Another double fault erases said advantage – Zverev looking at his team and strings after – but his next serve is hooked wide on the return by Alcaraz. The hold should have been secured when a big serve sees Alcaraz loop up a return, only for the German’s overhead smash to sail long but he gets another chance with a big serve down the T that can’t be returned.
Yet again, though, Alcaraz survives and we’re off to a fourth deuce when Zverev just sends a forehand long. A long backhand return gives the third seed yet another chance for the hold but again he can’t take it: Alcaraz firing down a big backhand winner for deuce number five.
Zverev gets forward and whips a forehand behind Alcaraz to bring up another chance to hold. Surely, this time yeah? YES! A big serve gets away from the top seed, whose return shoots high and wide.
Updated
Breakthrough💥
— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) January 30, 2026
Alcaraz strikes first and takes the opener 6-4.#AO26 pic.twitter.com/Y6MLl4Tdlf
Alcaraz takes the first set 6-4
Carlos Alcaraz* (1) 6-4 Alexander Zverev (3) Alcaraz quickly moves ahead 30-0, Zverev’s frustration simmering in his demeanour as he does. A forehand return is sent very long by the German to bring up three set points and Alcaraz only needs one: Zverev committing a sloppy unforced error to surrender the hold to love and the first set.
Carlos Alcaraz (1) 5-4 Alexander Zverev* (3) The first break of the game arrives, and it goes the way of the top seed!
Some sort of flying insect disturbs Zverev between his first and second serves and he ends up double faulting. A backhand return sent long levels things and Alcaraz ends a four-shot exchange by going long to fall behind. Alcaraz is visibly frustrated after the error, the tension in this tight match evident.
A big “¡vamos!” is let out by Alcaraz when Zverev goes long on the next point to make it 30-30 and the Spaniard’s good return on the next point is rwarded when Zverev sends a backhand into the net and brings up break point. Zverev then double faults! Big.
Updated
Carlos Alcaraz* (1) 4-4 Alexander Zverev (3) The first double fault of the match puts Alcaraz down a point, but an unforced and forced error from Zverev returns the initiative to the top seed.
Alcaraz forces Zverev deep and induces a backhand into the net to ease forward and then pushes a serve up into the third seed to force an error and secure the hold.
Carlos Alcaraz (1) 3-4 Alexander Zverev* (3) Alcaraz goes long to put Zverev into the ascendency, which he builds upon with an ace sent down the T. An unforced backhand error into the net cuts the deficit and we’re back level when the third seed sends a backhand wide.
Alcaraz loops a return high, giving Zverev the chance to get up to the net but an incredible passing shot from the Spaniard lands just in and brings up the match’s first break point.
Zverev’s booming serve down the T can’t be returned and shuts that down, with an ace whipped across the court at a relatively slightly slower pace then giving him the advantage. An unforced backhand error then brings up the hold.
Not much in this Alcaraz winner or between the Spaniard and Zverev 🤏
— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) January 30, 2026
It's 4-3 to Sasha on serve, first set. pic.twitter.com/bgeh5AaTVA
Updated
Carlos Alcaraz* (1) 3-3 Alexander Zverev (3) A 14-shot rally to open the game is brought to a conclusion when Alcaraz sends a forehand long. The Spaniard quickly bounces back, though, getting to the net after a Zverev shot bounces off it and observing an errant passing shot into the net.
Alcaraz then gets back ahead and whips down two strong serves that Zverev can’t return to take the hold.
Carlos Alcaraz (1) 2-3 Alexander Zverev* (3) Zverev’s commanding serve forges his second-straight hold to love: the German inducing four straight errors as he builds what the callers are calling “a good foundation”.
Updated
Carlos Alcaraz* (1) 2-2 Alexander Zverev (3) Zverev can’t get a proper handle on a forehand return and lots it wide, moving Alcaraz ahead. That’s repeated on the next exchange, only this time the third seed sends his attempted return long instead of wide.
A much-better placed return forces Alcaraz super wide and unable to return his forehand on the next point but the Spaniard responds by constructing a point that ends with him driving a proper-looking backhand down the line.
Leading 40-15, he quickly gets to the net after his next serve and watches on as an attempted passing shot from a stretching Zverev goes wide.
Zverev is landing 60% of his first serves across his opening two service games. He landed 85% when he beat Alcaraz here in Melbourne a few years ago.
Carlos Alcaraz (1) 1-2 Alexander Zverev* (3) Alcaraz can’t return another big Zverev serve and falls behind. A brief baseline exchange then ends with Alcaraz going long with a forehand, followed by another in which his backhand attempt goes long. Zverev then secures the hold with a big serve-and-forehand conversation that’s blasts beyond reach.
Carlos Alcaraz* (1) 1-1 Alexander Zverev (3) Alcaraz gets things underway with an ace and then moves further ahead when Zverev sends his forehand return long. A brief baseline exchange concludes with the third seed sending a backhand into the net and while Alcaraz makes a couple of errors to give his opponent a sniff, he’s got the buffer he needs to secure the hold with another ace, this one thundered down the T.
Both Alcaraz and Zverev hold their opening service games.
— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) January 30, 2026
1-1. pic.twitter.com/oWQujWWenQ
Updated
Alcaraz vs Zverev is underway
Carlos Alcaraz (1) 0-1 Alexander Zverev* (3) A big opening serve from Zvereve (expect anything else) is sent down the T and Alcaraz can’t return it. A short baseline exchange then results from Zverev’s second serve, ending when the German sends a backhand long and Alcaraz gets on the board.
Another big serve, this one going wide, forces a forehand error to move the third seed back ahead and he’s then able to get to the net on second serve and whip down a backhand winner to move further clear.
A baseline backhand error keeps the top seed in the game but the Spaniard sends a forehand long to give up the hold.
One minute until this semifinal gets underway. Alcaraz won the toss and will receive. ‘Mon.
Okaaayyyy, let’s go
— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) January 30, 2026
Alcaraz vs Zverev is 🔛
P.S. Yes, you heard correctly, his name is Rafa 🙌#AO26 pic.twitter.com/ue9pebvLiZ
Updated
Fashion Files update: Alcaraz has switched thing up after the quarterfinals, going back to wearing his lime green sleeveless top and pairing it with his white and lime green shorts and shoes. Suspect is hatless, repeat, hatless.
Zverev is in the same gear he wore in seeing off Learner Tien (25): an orange headband, white t-shirt, black shorts, and white shoes.
Reporting for duty 🫡#AO26 pic.twitter.com/Db6WXNmALP
— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) January 30, 2026
Updated
As dramatic lighting and movie trailer music covers the court, both players are making their way through the very snazzy player’s tunnel that leads to Rod Laver Arena.
Their entrances done, the roof now begins to open.
Currently plying his trade across the road with Melbourne Victory – and increasingly ripping the A-League Men to shreds – former Spanish World Cup winner Juan Mata has been spotted in Novak Djokovic’s (4) box in Melbourne. Mayhaps he’ll pop up in Alcaraz’s after seeing this display.
Sign him up! ️⚽️
— TNT Sports (@tntsports) January 29, 2026
Carlos Alcaraz shows off his football skills on the practice court in Melbourne! 🎾 pic.twitter.com/0wzruM4prh
It won’t surprise anyone to learn that Zverev is leading the Australian Open in aces so far, firing down 80 in his five matches.
Flashback to 2024, when Zverev defeated Alcaraz in four sets to advance to the semifinals of the Australian Open.
The stars align for Sascha in Melbourne ✨@AlexZverev returns to the AO semifinals and is one step closer to a maiden Grand Slam trophy ✨@wwos • @espn • @eurosport • @wowowtennis pic.twitter.com/WLYySu0iYz
— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) January 24, 2024
The opening act on men’s semifinals day 🎬
— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) January 30, 2026
First on the RLA stage, Carlos Alcaraz and Alexander Zverev 🍿#rolex #h2h @rolex pic.twitter.com/nsa2mjQ3AW
How did these two get here?
Carlos Alcaraz (1) has yet to drop a set on his way to the final four and has been getting noticeably better in every game: seeing off Alex de Minaur (6), Tommy Paul (19), Corentin Moutet (32), Yannick Hanfmann, and Adam Walton on his road here.
OH MY ALCARAZ 😱
— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) January 23, 2026
This is UNREAL 🔥@carlosalcaraz • @wwos • @espn • @tntsports • @wowowtennis • #AO26 pic.twitter.com/fSZZ2aITyo
He hasn’t had to go five – we’ve only had two five-set matches in the second week of a Grand Slam since the start of 2025 – but Alexander Zverev (3) for his part has seen off an opponent in straight sets just once on his road to the semfinals, doing so against Francisco Cerundolo (18) in the fourth round.
Elsewhere, he’s been challenged by Learner Tien (25), Cameron Norrie (26), Alexandre Muller, and Gabriel Diallo but emerged victorious every time.
Alexander Zverev sends Learner Tien home 💥
— TNT Sports (@tntsports) January 27, 2026
The 28-year-old is through to the Australian Open semi-finals for a fourth time 💪 pic.twitter.com/snNzXAT4ZX
In case you didn’t see it, yesterday’s play saw the women’s singles finals locked in: Elena Rybakina (5) seeing off an attempted fightback from Jess Pegula (6) to secure her third grand slam final appearance and set up a date with Aryna Sabalenka (1), who earlier that evening got past Elina Svitolina (12) in straight sets.
And in case you didn’t hear it, Sabalenka was none-too-pleased with a hindrance call that went against her early on in the match after she let loose with an unusual, late grunt.
It promises to be a good final: the two staging battles in the past – Rybakina beating Sabalenka in Riyadh last year – and the Kazakhstani one of the few players on the tour that can slug it out with the world number one from the back of the court.
And… well… on the subject of cameras backstage, footage from behind the scenes at Rod Laver shows both Carlos Alcaraz (1) and Alexander Zverev (3) going through their final warm-ups before heading out onto the court.
Tumaini Carayol has also taken a look at the growing discussions born from Coco Gauff (3) smashing her racquet in what she thought was a secluded area at Olympic Park after her quarterfinal loss – one pitching player privacy against the increasing access is demanded in a world in which content is king.
Novak Djokovic has insisted that he will not “walk out with a white flag” as he prepares for his latest battle with one of the ATP’s dominant top two in a grand slam semi-final, this time against the two-time defending champion Jannik Sinner on Friday in Melbourne.
Tumaini Carayol takes a look at how Novak Djokovic (4) – whose remarkable journey to the final four has come without him winning a set since the third round – is seeking to do something remarkable against Jannik Sinner (2) later tonight.
#AO26 mixed doubles champions take up the 'try not to smile' challenge 😉🏆 pic.twitter.com/VL4m598E1u
— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) January 30, 2026
A title has been decided on Rod Laver Arena already today, with Australian wildcard duo Olivia Gadecki and John Peers going-back-to-back by defeating French pair Kristina Mladenovic and Manuel Guinard to win the mixed doubles.
We won’t need to worry about any heat-enforced stoppages today, but the mercury has climbed a tad higher on this Friday afternoon in Melbourne than yesterday.
The Bureau of Meteorology says we’re currently sitting at 27.6°C – 81°F in freedom units – and are forecast for a top of 29°C – 84.2°F for the Americans – today. Short of some kind of mammoth, five-set epic it will stay that way throughout this contest, too, the temperature not projected to drop until 6pm this evening.
Preamble
Howdy all, ya boi Joey Lynch back again and welcome to the Guardian’s live coverage of the afternoon session of day 13 at the Australian Open. And wowee, we’re in for a good one this arvo.
As while Novak Djokovic (4) and Jannik Sinner (2) are set to lock horns in the night session later today I’ll be bringing you all the action as Carlos Alcaraz (1) and Alexander Zverev (3) do battle on Rod Laver Arena in the hours ahead. And while this year’s tournament – on the men’s and women’s side of things – hasn’t exactly been overflowing with shocks, we should at least be in for some good tennis.
Indeed, most are expecting ‘Alcasinner’ to advance through to a fourth-straight Grand Slam final today – Alcaraz sandwiching wins at the French Open and US Open around Sinner’s triumph at Wimbledon – but with fitness of Djokovic under a cloud, it’s Zverev that is considered the more likely of upsetting the applecart.
The German’s mammoth serve and baseline game has given Alcaraz problems in the past, the two meeting twelve times previously and evenly splitting the series. And if experience counts for anything at this stage, he’s fully fit, defeated Alcaraz in Melbourne in 2024, and is looking to advance through to a second straight final Down Under. The world number one, meanwhile, has never before made it past the ‘Happy Slam’s’ quarterfinals.
Accused of being too passive in the biggest moments in the past – Zverev has lost all three Grand Slam finals he’s competed in, notably against Alcaraz in the 2024 French Open – he emphasised his focus on bringing greater aggression when needed after seeing off Learner Tien (25) in the quarterfinals, of the belief that success will come if he keeps it up.
Nonetheless, the third seed getting up here would be considered a significant upset. Addressing concerns around his concentration, Alcaraz hasn’t dropped a set on his way through to the final four and has paired that with the virtuoso-like shot-making and movement that has brought him to the brink of becoming the youngest man in history to complete a career Grand Slam.
The manner in which he swept aside Alex de Minaur (6) in the quarterfinals was almost frightening, simply turning on the jets and blowing past the Australia, and if he can keep those levels today, it’s hard to see him being beaten.
But predictions like that and five bucks will (barely, these days) get you a cup of coffee, so let’s strap in for some tennis.
