Zverev shocked Alcaraz in the last quarter-final of the Australian Open 3–1 in sets (6–1, 6–3, 6–7, 6–4).
The German’s opening was phenomenal.
– It’s the best I’ve seen Zverev play, says former tennis star Jonas Björkman in Eurosport’s broadcast.
But with the knife to his throat, Alcaraz seemed to wake up. Zverev was two points away from winning the match in three straight sets when Alcaraz turned around and won in the tiebreak.
– I am playing against one of the best players in the world. We are all human and when you are so close to winning, you start thinking. It’s not always helpful, says Zverev, who then managed to win the fourth set.
Sixth-seeded Zverev went with it to his fifth career grand slam semifinal.
He doesn’t do it without sacrifice.
– I have blood under my toenails that pulls up all the time. It’s painful but I’d rather feel like this and be in the semi-finals than go home, says the German.
Daniil Medvedev won the quarterfinals in the Australian Open. Photo: Asanka Brendon Ratnayake/AP
In the second quarter-final on Wednesday Daniil Medvedev defeated Hubert Hurkacz of Poland after a tough five-setter (7–6 (7–4), 2–6, 6–3, 5–7, 6–4) that lasted four hours in the summer heat of Melbourne.
The good-serving Hubert Hurkacz, ranked ninth in the world, resisted well.
– I am completely exhausted. To be honest, I was physically tired already at the end of the second set and told myself to just keep fighting, says Medvedev.
– In the fourth set I lost my concentration and could only do my best and do what I could. So I’m glad I managed to win.
Twice before, Medvedev has reached the final of the year’s first grand slam tournament, but without winning. Of course, he hopes that it will be the third time this year.
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