Alcaraz Survives Zverev In Five-Set Marathon To Reach Australian Open Final
Alcaraz won a 5-hour, 27-minute semifinal over Alexander Zverev, clearing a path to the Feb. 1 final against Novak Djokovic.
Overview
Carlos Alcaraz defeated Alexander Zverev 6-4, 7-6(5), 6-7(3), 6-7(4), 7-5 in a 5-hour, 27-minute Australian Open semifinal, according to tournament statistics and match officials.
The win made the 22-year-old Alcaraz the youngest man in the Open era to reach finals at all four Grand Slams and put him on course to attempt a career Grand Slam on Feb. 1, tournament records show.
Tournament officials confirmed a three-minute medical timeout for a right upper adductor attended by the authorized physio and tournament doctor, which Zverev criticized in postmatch remarks.
At 5 hours, 27 minutes, the match was the longest semifinal in Australian Open history and the longest match of the tournament, according to tournament statistics.
Alcaraz said he intends to compete in the Feb. 1 final despite the leg issue, and Novak Djokovic’s five-set semifinal victory over Jannik Sinner set up a championship match that could decide a record 25th Grand Slam for Djokovic.
Analysis
Center-leaning sources present this as essentially neutral sports coverage: they prioritize on‑court facts, stats and direct player quotes rather than political framing. Editorial voice uses vivid descriptors (e.g., "epic," "grueling") but balances perspectives—detailing both Djokovic’s record chase and Alcaraz’s challenge—while quotes remain source content, not editorial interpretation.
Sources (11)
FAQ
Carlos Alcaraz defeated Novak Djokovic 2-6, 6-2, 6-3, 7-5 in the final.
Alcaraz became the youngest man in the Open Era to complete a career Grand Slam by winning all four major singles titles at age 22 years and 272 days.
Alcaraz received $2.7 million, the largest champion’s payday in Australian Open history.
Rafael Nadal attended the final in the stands and praised Alcaraz's tactical excellence.
Djokovic sought a record 25th Grand Slam singles title and to be the oldest man to win a major in the Open Era.
History
3 sources