Defying pain and controversy, Carlos Alcaraz scripted a comeback for the ages, defeating Alexander Zverev 6-4, 7-6(5), 6-7(3), 6-7(4), 7-5 to reach his first Australian Open final after a punishing 5+ hour semifinal.
The 22-year-old Spaniard, a Grand Slam sensation, confronted severe cramping that necessitated a medical timeout, infuriating Zverev. The German engaged in a prolonged debate with referees, arguing against interruptions for such ailments.
Alcaraz, stoic under treatment, refocused and wrestled back momentum. The match’s ebb and flow – tight tiebreaks in sets two through four – culminated in a decisive fifth-set break, showcasing his superior stamina and shot-making.
Match over, embraces followed, signaling respect amid rivalry. Alcaraz later shared: ‘Self-belief is key, regardless of struggles. This tested my limits physically, but past battles prepared me. I poured my soul into it, stayed passionate till the end.’
Now, eyes turn to the final against either Djokovic or Sinner. Victory would etch Alcaraz into lore as the youngest career Grand Slam achiever.
Pre-semifinal nods from Djokovic highlight the mutual admiration in this golden era of men’s tennis. Alcaraz’s Melbourne odyssey – from injury to immortality – captivates, promising a final etched in history.