Carlos Alcaraz has reached his first Australian Open final, overcoming Germany's Alexander Zverev in a gruelling five-set AO 2026 semi-final that lasted a remarkable five hours and 27 minutes. The 22-year-old Spaniard prevailed with a scoreline of 6-4, 7-6(5), 6-7(3), 6-7(4), 7-5 in a match that will be remembered as one of the tournament's longest and most dramatic encounters. This victory marks a significant milestone for Alcaraz, as he now has the opportunity to become the youngest male player in history to complete a Career Grand Slam. Aryna Sabalenka vs Elena Rybakina Head-to-Head Ahead of Australian Open 2026 Final.

Historic AO Semi-Final

A Marathon Battle on Rod Laver Arena

The semi-final clash on Rod Laver Arena was a true test of endurance and mental fortitude for both players. Alcaraz initially appeared to be cruising towards a straightforward victory, securing the first two sets. However, the momentum dramatically shifted when the world No. 1 began to experience visible cramps midway through the third set, allowing Zverev, the 28-year-old German, to claw his way back into the match. Zverev capitalised on Alcaraz's physical struggles, winning the third and fourth sets in tie-breaks, pushing the contest into a decisive fifth set.

Alcaraz's Resilient Comeback

Despite the physical setback and the resurgence of his opponent, Alcaraz displayed incredible resilience. The fifth set saw further twists and turns, with Zverev even serving for the match. However, the Spaniard, known for his fighting spirit, broke Zverev twice in a row to ultimately seal the victory. This epic encounter now stands as the third-longest match in Australian Open history, a testament to the intensity and competitive nature of the semi-final. Why is Aryna Sabalenka Competing Without Country's Flag and Anthem at Australian Open 2026?.

Path to a Historic Final

With this hard-fought win, Alcaraz has now reached the final of all four Grand Slam tournaments, a remarkable achievement for the young talent. He will now face either Jannik Sinner or ten-time Australian Open champion Novak Djokovic in the final, scheduled for February 1. Zverev, who reached the Australian Open final in 2025, falling to Jannik Sinner, will undoubtedly be disappointed after coming so close to another shot at a Grand Slam title.

Alcaraz's journey to his maiden Australian Open final underscores his growing stature in men's tennis and sets the stage for a highly anticipated championship match as he aims for a historic Career Grand Slam.

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(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jan 30, 2026 03:11 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).