Carlos Alcaraz has booked his place in the Australian Open final for the first time in his career after surviving an exhausting five-set showdown against Alexander Zverev that tested both his body and his will.
The Spanish star looked in total control early on, storming through the opening two sets with sharp aggression and fearless shot-making.
But midway through the third set, the match took a dramatic turn.
Alcaraz was hit by severe leg cramps that left him barely able to move, forcing him to rely almost entirely on timing, touch, and instinct rather than speed.
Sensing an opening, Zverev raised his level and capitalized on Alcaraz’s physical difficulties, edging out the third and fourth sets in tense tie-breaks.
The momentum appeared firmly with the German, who continued to serve powerfully and dictate rallies deep into the decider.
Yet just when the match seemed to be slipping away, Alcaraz found another gear.
Despite moments of visible discomfort and fatigue, the 22-year-old gradually rediscovered his legs and his confidence in the final set.
Zverev even served for the match, but Alcaraz refused to yield, breaking back with a combination of fearless returns and perfectly timed drop shots.
In the closing games, the Spaniard’s intensity soared. A late break proved decisive, and Alcaraz sealed victory with a stunning running forehand winner, collapsing onto the Rod Laver Arena court in disbelief after nearly five hours of battle.
The final score read 6-4, 7-6, 6-7, 6-7, 7-5.
Speaking afterward, Alcaraz credited his resilience to relentless training and mental strength. “I won because I believed,” he said. “Even when my body wasn’t responding, I trusted that I could turn it around. Tennis can be cruel, but today it was beautiful.”
The crowd played a crucial role, lifting him during his toughest moments. “The fans carried me when everything was going wrong,” he added. “I’ll never forget that.”
Alcaraz now awaits the winner of the second semifinal between Novak Djokovic and Jannik Sinner, as he prepares to chase the only Grand Slam title missing from his collection.
The final will be played on Sunday, where Alcaraz has promised to give “more than everything” in pursuit of a lifelong dream.
