Alcaraz overcomes leg issue to beat Zverev in five-set thriller for maiden Australian Open final berth

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Carlos Alcaraz beat Alexander Zverev in a gruelling five-set thriller to reach his maiden Australian Open final on Friday. The top-seeded Spaniard overcame a cramp scare to win an absorbing contest 6-4, 7-6, 6-7, 6-7, 7-5 that lasted a whopping five hours and 27 minutes at the Rod Laver Arena.

Alcaraz will meet the winner of Jannik Sinner and Novak Djokovic, who face off in the late semi-final.

The world number one showed remarkable resilience to ward off a spirited fight from last year’s finalist. Courtesy of the sensational win against the third-seeded German, Alcaraz inched one step closer to a dream career slam. With just one more win required, Alcaraz stands on the cusp of a historic milestone of becoming the youngest man in the Open Era to complete a Career Grand Slam.

The world number one pulled off one of the best wins of his career after fighting through a leg issue and miraculously managed to keep his career Grand Slam bid alive.

The 22-year-old was barely able to move after sustaining the injury at 4-4 in the third set, which he eventually lost in a tiebreak. Despite the hindrance, Alcaraz powered home winners with his extraordinary ball-striking ability and court sense to prolong the contest in a bid to remain in the match.

Alcaraz continued to put pressure on Zverev, constantly creating break points and eventually saw off the German in the decider.

 

“I couldn’t be here right now doing this interview without you,” Alcaraz said, thanking the fans.

“I’m really grateful for the support that I got, not only in this match but also the whole tournament.

“I’m just really happy to have the chance to play my first final in Melbourne. It’s something I was pursuing a lot, chasing a lot, having the chance to fight for the title.”

He will now focus on his recovery ahead of a meeting with either Djokovic or Sinner in Sunday’s title clash.