Alcaraz overcomes cramping crisis to win longest Australian Open semi-final in history

upday.com 2 godzin temu

Carlos Alcaraz has advanced to his first Australian Open final after defeating Alexander Zverev in an epic five-hour, 27-minute battle that became the longest semi-final in tournament history. The world number one overcame severe cramping and a fifth-set deficit to win 6-4 7-6 (7-5) 6-7 (3-7) 6-7 (4-7) 7-5 on Friday, keeping alive his bid to become the youngest man ever to complete the career Grand Slam.

The 22-year-old Spaniard appeared headed for defeat after struggling physically in the third set and watching Zverev level the match. Zverev broke Alcaraz's serve early in the fifth set before Alcaraz staged a remarkable comeback.

Alcaraz took a controversial medical timeout in the third set for cramping, receiving treatment to both thighs and drinking pickle juice. Zverev berated an official during the incident, calling the situation "unbelievable" and insisting Alcaraz was cramping rather than injured. Tennis rules classify cramps as conditioning problems rather than injuries, typically prohibiting treatment timeouts.

Belief and recovery

Despite the physical crisis, Alcaraz told himself "little by little, Charly, vamos" late in the fourth set as he fought to stay in the match. His movement gradually improved after the treatment.

In his post-match interview, Alcaraz emphasized his mental approach: "I won by believing, all the time. I always say that you have to believe in yourself, no matter what. No matter the struggles, no matter anything, you have to all the time."

The Spaniard acknowledged the match's brutal nature: "I was struggling in the middle of the third set physically, and it was one of the most demanding matches I have ever played in my short career." He credited his experience in similar situations and his determination: "I knew what I had to do, I had to put my heart into the match. And I did it, I fought until the last ball [...]"

Final awaits

Alcaraz will face either Jannik Sinner or Novak Djokovic in Sunday's final. The second semi-final between the world number two and the 38-year-old Serb followed on Friday evening.

Sinner has won 19 consecutive matches at Melbourne Park and defeated Ben Shelton 6-3 6-4 6-4 in the quarter-finals. He said after that match: "Today I felt like I was moving again a little bit better. I feel stronger physically again."

Djokovic reached the semi-finals after Lorenzo Musetti retired while trailing 3-1 in the third set, having led 6-4 6-3. The Serb expressed regret over the retirement: "I was on my way home tonight. Being in quarters of a Grand Slam, two sets to love up and being in full control, so unfortunate. He should have been a winner today, there's no doubt."

Career Grand Slam pursuit

Victory on Sunday would make Alcaraz the youngest man to complete the career Grand Slam. The reigning French Open and US Open champion thanked the Melbourne crowd for their support during his comeback: "I couldn't be here right now without these guys [the crowd] it's a pleasure playing in front of all of you [...]"

His focus now shifts to recovery: "Right now, my head is on recovering and trying to be in a good state to put on a show on for you."

Djokovic acknowledged the challenge ahead, calling Sinner and Alcaraz "the two best players in the world" currently. He added: "Are they better right now than me and all the other guys? Yes, they are. [...] But does that mean that I walk out with a white flag? No. I'm going to fight until the last shot, until the last point, and do my very best to challenge them."

Note: This article was created with Artificial Intelligence (AI).

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