Carlos Alcaraz is through to the Australian Open final for the first time in his career after coming through a five-set thriller against Alexander Zverev.
The Spaniard, who battled cramp during the contest, won 6-4, 7-6, 6-7, 6-7, 7-5, in the longest semifinal ever at Melbourne Park.
Zverev was agonisingly close to completing the comeback, having secured a break in the decisive fifth set before serving for the match.
It was not to be for the German, though, whose wait for a maiden Grand Slam title continues.
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After his incredible triumph, Alcaraz revealed what it took to book his place in the championship match.
Carlos Alcaraz reacts after reaching the Australian Open final
When asked how he won the match in his on-court interview, the world number one responded: “Believing all the time.
“I always say that you have to believe in yourself, no matter what. No matter what you have been through, no matter anything, you have to believe in yourself all the time.
“I was struggling in the middle of the third set, physically it was the most demanding match I have ever played in my short career.
“But I have been in this kind of situation and matches before so I knew what I had to do, I had to put my heart into the match.
“I did it. I fought until the last ball. I am extremely proud of the way I fought and came back during the fifth set.”
Carlos Alcaraz is one win away from a Career Grand Slam
Alcaraz is now just one win away from becoming the youngest player in the Open Era to complete the Career Grand Slam.
The Australian Open is the only major that the 22-year-old has yet to capture.
“I am just really happy to have a chance to play my first final here in Melbourne, it is something I was pursuing and chasing a lot,” said Alcaraz.
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“Having a chance to fight for the title. I think it has been a great two weeks so far. I think my level is increasing a lot but one thing I have got to say is that I couldn’t stand here right now without these guys.
“It was for me a real pleasure playing in front of all of you. The way you pushed me back into the match and push me every time and every ball, every point, it has been crazy. I am really grateful for the support.
“I thought not only in this match but for the whole tournament. I hope on Sunday it will be a great atmosphere. Obviously, right now my head is about to try and be in good shape to put on a good show for you guys.”
Alcaraz will face either defending champion Jannik Sinner or Novak Djokovic in the final.
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