Alexander Zverev enjoyed another lengthy run at the Australian Open, but again he came up short.
Zverev’s Grand Slam title chances may have passed after his latest failed attempt, which involved a semifinal exit in Melbourne.
He lost a five-set thriller to Carlos Alcaraz, who went on to lift the Australian Open trophy and complete the career Grand Slam.
Alcaraz and Zverev played the longest-ever Australian Open semifinal, with the Spaniard eventually triumphing after almost five-and-a-half hours.
The champion then made further history in Melbourne, with Alcaraz beating Novak Djokovic in the Australian Open final, a feat nobody had ever achieved before.
Will Carlos Alcaraz win the Calendar Slam in 2026?
If not, which Grand Slam is he going to fail to win?
Alexander Zverev thanks fans as Australian Open concludes
Djokovic praised Alcaraz on social media shortly after their final, with Zverev now issuing a message of his own following the conclusion of the Grand Slam.
Referencing his semifinal exit, he posted on Instagram: “Gave it everything I had. Left my heart on the court.
“An amazing tournament and an incredible match.
“Thank you to the fans and this unbelievable atmosphere for making it truly special!
“Once again, Melbourne – what a place to play! See you all next year.”
Who finishes their career on more majors – Alcaraz or Djokovic?
Alexander Zverev’s run to the Australian Open semifinals
Zverev has a lot to be proud of after the first Grand Slam of 2026, having been handed a tricky draw in Melbourne.
But he made it over every hurdle that was in his way in impressive fashion, falling only to the ATP number one.
| Round | Opponent | Score |
| First round | Gabriel Diallo | 6-7(1-7), 6-1, 6-4, 6-2 |
| Second round | Alexandre Muller | 6-3, 4-6, 6-3, 6-4 |
| Third round | Cameron Norrie [26] | 7-5, 4-6, 6-3, 6-1 |
| Fourth round | Francisco Cerundolo [18] | 6-2, 6-4, 6-4 |
| Quarterfinal | Learner Tien [25] | 6-3, 6-7(5-7), 6-1, 7-6(7-3) |
| Semifinal | Carlos Alcaraz [1] | 6-4, 7-6(7-5), 6-7(3-7), 6-7(4-7), 7-5 |
There is certainly no shame in losing to such an opponent, and particularly one that goes on to clinch the title and indeed make tennis history.
But while that should give Zverev plenty of confidence going forward, he has now missed out on another chance at a maiden Grand Slam title.
And it will be particularly frustrating given that Alcaraz suffered from cramps during their Australian Open semifinal tie.
Still, the 24-time ATP champion should have high hopes of enjoying similar runs at the rest of the 2026 Grand Slams, particularly at the French Open and US Open.
Zverev remains a big threat on clay courts and hard courts, but has consistently struggled to impress on grass.
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