Carlos Alcaraz beats Alexander Zverev in epic Australian Open semi-final after cramping issues - 'One of the most demanding matches I ever played'

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Carlos Alcaraz reached his first Australian Open final after beating Alexander Zverev in a dramatic semi-final. The world No. 1 struggled with physical issues in the third set but broke in the fifth when Zverev served for the win. Alcaraz will face 10-time champion Novak Djokovic in Sunday's final, live on TNT Sports and discovery+.

'One of the best matches I have ever won' - Alcaraz reacts to epic win over Zverev

Video credit: SNTV

Carlos Alcaraz recovered from cramp to win a five-set epic against Alexander Zverev in the Australian Open semi-finals and move a win away from the career Grand Slam.

World No. 1 Alcaraz won an incredible contest 6-4 7-6(5) 6-7(3) 6-7(4) 7-5 that lasted five hours and 27 minutes.

He looked to be heading for a far more straightforward victory after winning the first two sets, only to be derailed by physical issues.

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It appeared the issue was cramp and Zverev was frustrated that the umpire allowed Alcaraz a medical timeout for treatment.

Alcaraz looked hampered by the problem as he lost the third set, after being two points from victory, and although his condition improved, Zverev managed to force a decider.

Zverev had the chance to serve out the match after over five hours on court, but Alcaraz broke, and two games later fell to the floor in celebration after clinching an incredible victory.

"I always say you have to believe in yourself," Alcaraz said.

Alcaraz starts to suffer physically as Zverev complains to the umpire

Video credit: TNT Sports

"I was struggling in the middle of the third set. Physically, it was one of the most demanding matches I ever played, but I have been in these kind of matches before, so I knew what I had to do. I had to put my heart into the match. It was passion, and I am extremely proud of the way I fought and came back in the fifth set."

Alcaraz will face 10-time winner Novak Djokovic in Sunday’s final.

"I think physically we pushed each other to the limit today," added Alcaraz.

"We pushed our bodies to the limit, I think the level of the fifth set was really, really high.

"I am just really, really happy to get the win, that I came back. I rank this as one of the best matches that I have ever won."

How well Alcaraz recovers from the five-hour marathon remains to be seen.

'Unbelievable' Alcaraz beats Zverev in five-set epic

Video credit: TNT Sports

Zverev said following the loss that he was "hanging on for dear life" in the fifth set as he was "exhausted".

"Unbelievable fight," the German said. "Unfortunate ending for me, but to be honest, I had absolutely nothing left in me.

"Even at 5-4, normally I can rely on my serve a bit more. My legs stopped pushing upward, so yeah, that's the way it is. This is life. We move on."

Few could have predicted the drama that would unfold after Alcaraz won the first two sets in two hours.

The world No. 1 looked to be heading for a straight-sets victory until physical issues struck.

He called for a medical timeout with a 5-4 lead in the third set and appeared hampered as he didn’t chase down balls and played several drop shots early in rallies.

He was two points from victory at 30-30 in the 10th game of the set, but Zverev closed the door and then dominated the tie-breaker.

Alcaraz started to move more freely in the fourth set, perhaps helped by some pickle juice, and fought hard to save two break points for 3-3.

'Quality of tennis is off the charts!' - Alcaraz wins superb point

Video credit: TNT Sports

The set went to another tie-breaker and Alcaraz was again close to victory at 4-3 up, but Zverev reeled off four points in a row to force a tie-breaker.

The level in the deciding set was some of the highest in the match as the crowd on Rod Laver Arena were treated to some incredible shot making even as the clock ticked past five hours.

A break in the first game looked like it would prove decisive for Zverev.

Alcaraz wins 'scarcely believable' point in semi-final thriller

Video credit: TNT Sports

Alcaraz had five chances to break back throughout the set but couldn’t take any of them as Zverev held on to his advantage and had the chance to serve it out.

But at the biggest moment in the match, it was Alcaraz who came up trumps.

The world No. 1 broke serve to level at 5-5 and won the next two games to seal a remarkable win.

"I hate giving up," Alcaraz said afterwards.

"Every step more, every one second more of suffering, one second more of fighting, is always worth it. So that's why I just fight until the last ball and always believe that I can come back in every situation."

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