ATP Tour
Alcaraz beats Zverev in record 5:27 SF marathon to reach first Australian Open final
World number one will lift trophy in Melbourne to complete career Grand Slam
January 30, 2026
Zhang Lintao/Getty Images
Carlos Alcaraz takes on Alexander Zverev in Melbourne on Friday.
Andy West
Carlos Alcaraz reached his maiden Australian Open final in dramatic fashion on Friday afternoon, overcoming physical issues and rallying from the brink to beat Alexander Zverev in the marathon semi-finals.
Alcaraz, the No. 1 player in the PIF ATP rankings, defeated world No. 3 Zverev 6-4, 7-6(5), 6-7(3), 6-7(4), 7-5 in an intense match at Rod Laver Arena that lasted 5 hours and 27 minutes, the longest semifinal in the tournament’s history. The Spaniard appeared to have recovered from an upper right leg injury sustained late in the third set, but he came back 3-5 in the decider to seal his first finals opportunity in Melbourne.
“Always believe,” Alcaraz said in an on-court interview when asked how he won the match. “I always say you have to believe in yourself, no matter if you’re struggling or what you’re going through. No matter what happens, you still have to always believe in yourself. I struggled in the middle of the third set. Physically, it was one of the most physically demanding matches I’ve ever played in my short career.
“I’ve been in this situation and I knew what I had to do. I had to put my heart and soul into the game. I think I did that and I fought until the last ball. I knew I was going to have a chance. I’m very proud of the way I fought and came back in the fifth set.”
Battle Royale🫡@carlosalcaraz In a battle that lasted 5 hours and 27 minutes, he defeated Zverev and scored his first goal @Australian Open final.#AO26 pic.twitter.com/a6SjWQHxCc
— ATP Tour (@atptour) January 30, 2026
With the win, Alcaraz is one victory away from becoming the youngest man to complete a career Grand Slam (win singles titles in all four majors). However, what stands between Alcaraz and that history is his heavyweight showdown with one of his great rivals. World number two Sinner is the two-time defending champion at Melbourne Park, while Djokovic is a record 10-time Australian Open champion.
“I’m really happy to be playing my first final in Melbourne,” Alcaraz said. “It’s something I’ve been pursuing. The opportunity to fight for the title. I think it’s been a great fight so far and my level has improved a lot. But I guess one thing I’ll say is that I wouldn’t be here doing this interview right now without you guys. [the fans]. It was such a pleasure to play in front of everyone. The way you guys push me forward in the game…I really appreciate your support. “
Alcaraz has not dropped a set in his first five matches in Melbourne and looks set to maintain his flawless performance after taking a two-set lead against Zverev. The top seed played typically elegant tennis when he needed it most, especially when he came back from 2-5 to seal the second set.
At 4-4, 15/15 in the third set, the real drama began. Serving at 4-4 in the third set, Alcaraz appeared to be stalled by a right leg injury. He twice received treatment from the tournament’s physio but he was unable to prevent Zverev from getting back into the game from there.
Alcaraz adopted a hyper-aggressive style of play to shorten the rallies, which was competitive but didn’t seem to be enough. In the first set of the deciding set, Zverev broke his opponent’s serve and saved five break points in three service games, quickly chasing the score to 5-4.
Then Alcaraz made an incredible comeback. The Spaniard was free again, beating his opponents in four consecutive games and becoming the youngest player to reach the final of the four Grand Slams. At the match point, he hit Zverev with a low forehand, and Zverev’s volley could only go into the net.
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