TENNIS: Miracle man Alcaraz beats leg issue, Zverev to make Australian Open final

MELBOURNE – Carlos Alcaraz overcame a leg issue to defeat Alexander Zverev 6-4, 7-6(5), 6-7(3), 6-7(4), 7-5 on Friday, reaching his first Australian Open final and keeping his career Grand Slam ambitions alive.

The 22-year-old Spaniard struggled to move after experiencing the issue at 4-4 in the third set, which he eventually lost in a tiebreak. Despite the physical setback, Alcaraz relied on precise ball-striking and smart placement to stay in the match.

Alcaraz’s determination carried him through the fifth set, where he overcame Zverev to advance to Sunday’s title clash against either Novak Djokovic or Jannik Sinner. A victory would complete his set of major titles.

No stranger to long five-set battles after his French Open final win over Sinner last year, Alcaraz said belief was crucial in enduring the longest Australian Open semi-final, which lasted five hours and 27 minutes.

"I always say that you have to believe in yourself no matter what you’re struggling with," Alcaraz said.

"I was struggling in the middle of the third set. Physically, it was one of the most demanding matches I have ever played in my short career. But I’ve been in this kind of match before. I had to put my heart into it. I fought until the last ball, and I’m extremely proud of the way I came back in the fifth set."

The first set saw eight straight holds of serve on a sunlit Rod Laver Arena before Alcaraz took advantage of a Zverev double fault to claim the opening break and eventually the set. Zverev, appearing frustrated with the tension in his racket strings, regained composure to take a 5-2 lead in the second set, only for Alcaraz to break back and eventually win the tiebreak.

The third set was a test of endurance. Alcaraz began to feel discomfort in his right thigh and took a medical timeout, prompting a complaint from Zverev over the rules for cramp treatment. Despite the challenge, Alcaraz held on to force a tiebreak, which Zverev claimed, leveling the match at two sets all.

In the fourth set, Alcaraz regained his rhythm, winning crucial points to force another tiebreak. Zverev’s serving held strong, sending the match to a decisive fifth set.

Alcaraz broke early but Zverev responded to gain an advantage. The Spaniard, however, showed his resilience, chasing down drop shots and hitting winners at full stretch. He finally broke Zverev in the 10th game before sealing the epic victory.

"I couldn’t be here right now doing this interview without you," Alcaraz said, gesturing to the fans.

"I’m really grateful for all the support, not only in this match but throughout the tournament. I’m just happy to have the chance to play my first final in Melbourne. It’s something I’ve been chasing for a long time."

This win marks Alcaraz’s first Australian Open final, and he now has the opportunity to complete his career Grand Slam with a victory in Melbourne.

-Reporting by Shrivathsa Sridhar in Melbourne; Editing by Peter Rutherford/Reuters