Australian Open semi-finals.
I would like to mention that it is almost 2am in Melbourne, and it’s likely that we would have played until 3am if we had gone to a fifth set.
It is noteworthy that Zverev was walking with a limp as he made his way to the locker room. It appears that he is experiencing some injuries and he also referenced his toenails during the interview after the match. Hopefully, it is not a severe issue and he will be able to compete against Medvedev on Friday.
“Fantastic game,” Frank Holahan writes in an email. “And a victory for The Joker. Novak will probably continue to accumulate championship trophies. The young Spanish player will have his moment eventually. Let’s savor the Serb’s dominance for a little longer, just as we did with Federer’s. Great reporting from Australia.”
Zverev’s first two sets were nearly perfect, with a 90% first serve rate and control over both baseline and net rallies. Alcaraz made a strong appearance in the third set, winning the tie-break from a difficult position. It seemed as though a fifth set was inevitable. However, Alcaraz’s game faltered in the fourth set, giving Zverev a break and ultimately sealing his own defeat. Zverev displayed great courage and skill in this match. Can this be considered Zverev’s greatest victory yet, given the opponent and situation?
Zverev speaks to the cameras.
When you have a record of 6 wins and 1 loss, 6 wins and 3 losses, or 5 wins and 2 losses, the thought of winning enters your mind. Your mind becomes active. However, I am facing one of the top players in the world. Despite this, I am proud of how I persevered in the fourth set. I remained mentally resilient.
Is he injured?
My physical condition is good. There is a significant amount of blood accumulated under my toenails, which occurs each time I play. However, I am willing to endure some discomfort in order to advance to the semi-finals of the Australian Open.
I was only one victory shy of being ranked as the top player in the world. However, I suffered an injury. I am pleased to have regained my spot in the top 10 rankings.
Zverev will play Medvedev in the semi-finals.
He has been dominating me in our recent matches. I am hopeful that this will be the place where that changes. As players, we often say that the US Open has the most enthusiastic crowd, but in my opinion, the Australian Open crowd is the best. They possess genuine tennis knowledge and are respectful. They know when to cheer and when to be quiet. I am counting on their support for my match against Medvedev.
The fourth hour of the match has passed. Zverev is visibly struggling, but still within reach of the semi-finals. He serves a powerful shot up the T and gains a 30-15 lead. However, Alcaraz senses Zverev’s weakness and manages to return another strong serve, bringing the score to 30-30 with a skillful drop shot. What bravery! The following point is equally impressive, as the ball hits Alcaraz’s racket and bounces wildly off the stadium seats, but miraculously lands back in court. Zverev scrambles to return the shot, but Alcaraz ultimately misses an easy backhand. This gives Zverev a match point, which he takes advantage of and secures his spot in the semi-finals. Despite facing an injury, fatigue, and the momentum and talent of Alcaraz, Zverev managed to win the fourth set in a remarkable display of tennis.
Zverev won the first set 6-1, the second set 6-3, and the third set 6-7 (2), with Alcaraz serving next. Zverev is currently leading 5-4 in the fourth set.
Suddenly, Alcaraz makes a mistake on his serve and gives Zverev two points. This leads to Zverev having two chances to break Alcaraz’s serve and he successfully takes the first one! This unexpected turn of events is surprising and impressive. Alcaraz goes to the net at 15-40, and Zverev hits a perfect backhand up the line, giving him another chance to win the match. It’s unbelievable.
Zverev leads 6 games to 1, 6 games to 3, and 6 games to 7 with a score of 2 in the tiebreak set. The current score is tied at 4 games each, with Alcaraz serving next.
Zverev quickly gains a 40-0 lead, but Alcaraz retaliates and ties the score at deuce. There are two worrisome factors for Zverev: he seemed to hobble after chasing down an Alcaraz drop shot, is that due to an injury or exhaustion? Additionally, his forehand appears to be lacking power.
During the deuce, an extraordinary moment in tennis took place. Zverev had multiple opportunities at the net to defeat Alcaraz, but the Spaniard impressively defended and sent a spinning shot high into the night sky towards Zverev’s baseline. Despite Zverev ultimately winning the point, Alcaraz’s skill is undeniably remarkable. “You can’t help but laugh,” Kyrgios comments during the TV broadcast.
Earlier, I mentioned Zverev’s forehand, but now that doesn’t matter. Zverev impressively hits a shot down the line, followed by another powerful hit across the court to win the game. This incredible hold is a testament to his outstanding performance in the midst of an intense tennis match. The German player’s shot was truly remarkable. The score is now tied at four games each in the fourth set.
The next server is Alcaraz. Zverev won with scores of 6-1, 6-3, 6-7 (2), 3-4.
Alcaraz successfully wins the game with only 15 points. Zverev appears to be attempting to maintain his position for the tie-break.
Zverev won the first set 6-1, the second set 6-3, and the third set 6-7 (2) against Alcaraz. The current score is tied at 3-3, with Alcaraz serving next.
Alcaraz’s incredible shotmaking skills make him one of the top players on the Tour in converting defense into offense. Zverev, on the other hand, has a strong serve and is able to finish points at the net, allowing him to even the score at 3-3. To secure a victory, Zverev must be more assertive and come to the net frequently. If he plays passively, Alcaraz will capitalize on the opportunity.
Zverev won the first set 6-1, the second set 6-3, and the third set went to a tiebreak (6-7) before Alcaraz won. The fourth set is currently 3-2 with Zverev serving next.
Zverev is currently ahead in the match, but he seems tired while trying to reach Alcaraz’s groundstrokes. Despite Alcaraz still being behind and the fourth set still being tied, I would be surprised if we don’t end up going to a fifth set. Alcaraz’s momentum is unstoppable. Alcaraz manages to keep his lead as he holds his serve and is now up 3-2.
Zverev leads 6-1, 6-3, 6-7 (2), 2-2 with Alcaraz serving next.
Zverev’s serving was exceptional as he easily held his position. However, it’s difficult to fathom that less than an hour ago, he was serving for the entire match. Throughout his career, Zverev has only been defeated in one match when he had a two-set lead, which was the 2020 US Open final.
Zverev won the first set 6-1, the second set 6-3, and the third set 6-7 with Alcaraz serving next. However, Alcaraz is currently leading 2-1.
Alcaraz is performing exceptionally well. He is moving quickly and with determination, adding power to all of his shots. He impressively serves a 209km/hr ace and maintains his serve as Zverev struggles with a tired forehand – a recurring issue in recent games. Zverev lacks aggression, except when he approaches the net. The fourth set continues with both players holding their serves.
Zverev won the first set 6-1, the second set 6-3, and the third set in a tiebreak of 6-7 (2). The current game is tied at 1-1 with Alcaraz serving next.
Alcaraz quickly responds with a break, despite Zverev’s impressive volley at the net (25/34 in the forecourt, a noteworthy feat against a skilled player like Alcaraz). Zverev is losing momentum and struggling to reach Alcaraz’s drop shots, allowing the Spaniard to gain control of the court.
Zverev won the first set 6-1, the second set 6-3, and the third set 6-7 (2). Alcaraz won the first game of the fourth set.
Alcaraz falls behind 15-30 but regains momentum with a remarkable shot. Zverev manages to return a drop shot at the net and Alcaraz has plenty of time to make his move with Zverev out of position. However, Zverev anticipates correctly and expertly volleys the ball back from close range. Alcaraz is unable to respond and Zverev earns two break points, converting the second one by outlasting his opponent in a baseline rally. This early break marks Zverev’s sixth of the match.
Zverev’s performance noticeably declined in the third set, particularly in the speed of his groundstrokes. He went from controlling the points to allowing Alcaraz to take charge. At this point, it was up to Alcaraz to either execute his shots or make mistakes. He successfully did the former, but it is a positive sign for Zverev as he enters the fourth set.
Both mentally and physically drained, Zverev is now facing the added challenge of a hostile crowd. This match has become incredibly tiring for him, and he is currently receiving treatment from the trainer during the break. It’s important to note that Zverev has played over five hours more than Alcaraz in this tournament so far, so he may be feeling the effects of fatigue. It will be intriguing to see if he can maintain his performance in the fourth set, or if he will struggle.
Alcaraz causes Zverev to make a mistake, causing Rod Laver to react excitedly. In the commentary box, Nick Kyrgios giggles and exclaims, “He’s a joke.” This match may now be more evenly matched.
Zverev won the match against Alcaraz with scores 6-1, 6-3, 6-6 (2-6).
Alcaraz knocked Zverev to the ground with a remarkable backhand shot along the line. Zverev appears to have injured his elbow, but he quickly gets back up and resumes play. Alcaraz is on fire and the audience is cheering him on, urging the match to continue.
Alcaraz displayed three incredible points, showcasing his impressive passing shots and defensive skills. He sprinted to his right at full speed and delivered a flawless winner past Zverev’s advancing position. The Spaniard now has four set points, a significant turnaround from his position just 15 minutes ago.
Zverev wins 6 games to 1, 6 games to 3, and 6 games to 6 (with a tiebreak score of 2-3), defeating Alcaraz.
Alcaraz’s move against Zverev was incredible! He managed to pass him at the net with an unexpected winner, and then did it again to take the lead. Zverev could have been up 4-1, but instead he’s trailing 2-3.
Zverev defeats Alcaraz with scores of 6-1, 6-3, 6-6 (2-0).
Zverev’s powerful groundstrokes have disappeared, but he is still keeping up in the rallies by moving around the baseline and playing with determination. Alcaraz, on the other hand, is making mistakes, starting with a poorly executed drop shot and followed by a forehand that lands out of bounds. Zverev takes a 2-0 lead in the tie-break!
In the match between Zverev and Alcaraz, Zverev won with a score of 6-1, 6-3, 6-6. The next server will be denoted by an asterisk (*).
Alcaraz executes a forehand bunt that lands halfway up the net, but the ridiculousness ends there. He is performing at his peak, displaying a lively energy as he holds serve to push for a tie-break. Zverev surely hopes to finish this match quickly. If Alcaraz wins this set, he could potentially win the entire match. However, it should be noted that Alcaraz has never made a comeback from being two sets behind.
Zverev leads 6-1, 6-3, 6-5 with Alcaraz serving next.
Although Alcaraz has the momentum, Zverev remains strong on his serve, especially with his wide shots that require Alcaraz to cover a large portion of the court for his second shot. Zverev effortlessly holds his serve and Alcaraz must once again serve to keep himself in the match.
Zverev dominates Alcaraz with a score of 6-1, 6-3, 5-5.
Hello everyone! In a crucial moment, Alcaraz was trailing by 15-30, but Zverev’s unforced error changes the game. What could have been two match points is now tied at 30-30. Alvaraz impressively moves to the net and wins the game, bringing the score to 5-5. The third set seemed like it would be an easy win, but now it’s tied!
Michael has returned to guide you through the remainder of this game. Is this the last set? Let’s find out.
Zverev leads Alcaraz 6-1, 6-3, 5-4 with Alcaraz serving next.
Alcaraz strikes first and the audience is buzzing with excitement. They crave more of this thrilling tennis. This is the first instance where Alcaraz has a 30-0 lead in the match, and Zverev is now feeling immense pressure after being overpowered by some incredible forehands.
However, Zverev impressively serves aces that equalize the situation. Kyrgios describes them as “unreturnable” from the commentator’s booth.
However, he is unable to maintain the momentum. Suddenly, he becomes passive during the 30-30 rally and his risk does not result in success as he hits the net.
Alcaraz makes an impressive move, following up with a break after a crosscourt forehand and an incredible volley. Could this be the start of a comeback?
Zverev won 6 games to 1, 6 games to 3, and is leading 5 games to 3 against Alcaraz. Alcaraz will serve next.
Alcaraz is putting pressure on Zverev and is being more patient by drawing him out instead of trying to hit winners. However, it may be too late as Zverev is now serving for the match.
Zverev is leading with a score of 6-1, 6-3, 5-2 while Alcaraz is the next server.
The German initially struggles in the game, but he consistently relies on his powerful first serve, which gives him a 40-15 lead as Alcaraz makes two consecutive return errors.
He finishes the game with a remarkable shift in direction, leaving Alcaraz with no opportunity.
The German player only needs one more win to secure a spot in the semi-final.
Zverev is leading with a score of 6-1, 6-3, 4-2 and it is now Alcaraz’s turn to serve.
Alcaraz dominates with a 40-0 record, thanks to improved serving. He is now hitting closer to the line and displaying versatility, making it difficult for Zverev to anticipate his shots.
He ultimately emerges victorious by executing a superb lob over Zverev, having drawn him towards the net.
Zverev won 6 games to 1, 6 games to 3, and is leading 4 games to 1 against Alcaraz (with Zverev being the next server).
The German player has been serving exceptionally well. Out of the whole match, he has only failed to make seven first serves. He is not allowing his opponent to establish a rhythm from the baseline.
On the rare occasion that Alcaraz successfully returns a serve, the two engage in a back-and-forth rally. However, the Spaniard makes a mistake and hits the ball into the net, causing him to bend over with his hands on his knees. The crowd at the Rod Laver Arena tries to encourage him, and it appears to have an effect as he reaches a tie at deuce. This is due to a couple of strong shots that force Zverev to rush and ultimately miss the ball.
Unfortunately, Alcaraz’s momentum does not last long as he continues to make unforced errors and Zverev gains a 4-1 lead.
Zverev leads Alcaraz 6-1, 6-3, 3-1. Alcaraz will serve next.
The German player has discovered a strategy to trouble Alcaraz and has now gained a 40-30 lead in the fourth game of the third set. However, Alcaraz manages to tie the score at deuce when Zverev misses a backhand shot. Despite a powerful serve from Alcaraz, Zverev regains the advantage. Unfortunately, he then makes a mistake on a seemingly simple shot, bringing the score back to deuce.
Alcaraz made a double fault and was unable to continue the rally, ultimately giving Zverev the game. This is quite surprising, as the second-ranked player in the world seems to be losing his focus.
Source: theguardian.com
