Carlos Alcaraz will face Novak Djokovic in the finals of the Australian Open after both players triumphed in thrilling semifinals held in Melbourne on Friday. Alcaraz overcame Alexander Zverev in a grueling five-set battle that lasted five hours and 27 minutes, concluding the match with scores of 6-4, 7-6 (7-5), 6-7 (3-7), 6-7 (4-7), and 7-5. The sheer intensity of the match highlighted the resilience and skill of both athletes, with Alcaraz pushing through physical cramps to affirm his status as the current world No. 1.
In the other semifinal, Djokovic faced reigning champion Jannik Sinner, emerging victorious in his own five-set contest, with a scoreline of 3-6, 6-3, 4-6, 6-4, 6-4. This victory sets Djokovic on a path to potentially claim his record-breaking 25th Grand Slam title. Luck seemed to favor Djokovic as he managed to preserve energy during the tournament; two of his past opponents withdrew due to injury. His match against Sinner was a true test, with momentum shifting back and forth, but Djokovic managed to secure a pivotal victory when it mattered the most.
At 38 years and 255 days, Djokovic has become the oldest man in the Open Era to reach the Australian Open final. Reflecting on his triumph, Djokovic hinted at the challenge he faced while recognizing his belief in himself against Sinner: “I said it would be very difficult – but not impossible. So here we are.”
Sinner expressed disappointment over missed opportunities during the match, highlighting his failure to convert break points. “(I) had many chances, couldn’t use them, and that’s the outcome,” he lamented.
Meanwhile, Alcaraz’s match against Zverev has been recorded as the third-longest in the tournament’s history, notably the longest semifinal. Following the victory, an exhilarated Alcaraz shared his thoughts, stating, “I always say that you have to believe in yourself no matter what. I fought until the last ball… extremely proud about myself, the way that I felt and the way that I came back.”
Despite a promising start in which Alcaraz secured a two-set lead, he encountered challenges as Zverev capitalized on his cramping issues. After an emotional back-and-forth, Alcaraz gathered his strength at a critical moment to secure the final three game wins, landing him in the final.
Both semifinal matches showcased remarkable athleticism and determination, paving the way for a highly anticipated clash between Alcaraz and Djokovic in the final, promising an exciting showdown for tennis fans around the world.