Carlos Alcaraz and Alexander Zverev have just played out an all-time classic at the Australian Open, which the Spaniard won.
Alcaraz has been backed to win the Australian Open, and he has just inched closer to that feat after winning his semifinal with Zverev.
The ATP number one beat the German 6-4, 7-6(7-5), 6-7(3-7), 6-7(4-7), 7-5 in an absolute thriller at Rod Laver Arena.
Despite tensions rising during the Australian Open epic, Alcaraz and Zverev shared a warm embrace on the court afterwards.
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Carlos Alcaraz and Alexander Zverev play longest-ever Australian Open semifinal
Alcaraz suffered from cramps during the encounter, with his treatment of the issue causing frustration for Zverev.
But the German also fatigued during the lengthy clash in Melbourne, which has just created history at the hard-court Grand Slam.
At five hours and 27 minutes, the semifinal between Alcaraz and Zverev represents the longest semifinal in Australian Open history.
The German can leave the tournament with his head held high after the classic, while the Spaniard now faces a final against either Jannik Sinner or Novak Djokovic.
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Australian Open relief after Carlos Alcaraz vs Alexander Zverev epic
Of course, the match is the longest at this year’s Australian Open, surpassing the four-hour, 33-minute meeting between Stan Wawrinka and Arthur Gea in round two.
But it also represents the first five-set match at Rod Laver at the 2026 event, which is a welcome sign for tournament organizers.
The Australian Open was called the “most boring” Grand Slam ever, with both the men’s and women’s events seemingly not living up to expectations.
But the thriller between Alcaraz and Zverev should quickly change such a verdict, and will hopefully set the standard for the few matches that remain.
That at least looks very possible for the women’s final, with big hitters Aryna Sabalenka and Elena Rybakina set to go head-to-head at Rod Laver Arena.
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