2026 Australian Open SF - [1] Carlito Alcaraz vs. [3] Sascha Zverev

[tennis_pro]

It’s Sinner’s Fault that Carlos let an easy match go into 5? It seems you have excuse ready already for the Sunday

I thought you said after the draw that Alcaraz had it easier? You think Djokovic is going to be tougher today?

 

[rUDin 21]

Damn,I guess I missed the match of the tournament so far..

 

[TennisGrandpA]

I thought you said after the draw that Alcaraz had it easier? You think Djokovic is going to be tougher today?

Yeah but he made it tougher today , is it Sinner’s fault? Btw see you on Sunday with you having Sinner Avi

 

[Fabrivitx]

I thought you said after the draw that Alcaraz had it easier? You think Djokovic is going to be tougher today?

Carlos barely beat a diabete ill Zverev after 5 hours and u still flexing? This is ur goat?

 

[Subway Tennis]

What’s gonna happen for the finals?

I think Sinner is going to be too strong. Carlitos will be on fumes after the SF. But you never quite know with Carlitos. He keeps doing these very freaky extraordinary actions on the court.

I'd prefer to see Sinner win, but honestly any of the three players left I'd be happy with them winning. All would be deserving winners.

How do you think the final will play out?

 

[tennis_pro]

Yeah but he made it tougher today , is it Sinner’s fault? Btw see you on Sunday with you having Sinner Avi

It was obvious that Zverev was going to be tougher than a 39-year old Djokovic who has no business being in the SF in the first placee. I even said in the match thread that the odds were crazy.

Also, again, Alcaraz-Sinner is as close to 50/50 as it gets, even with Alcaraz playing a 5,5h semi it's maybe 60/40 Sinner. I have never seen someone as arrogant with as little arguments to back it up as you speaking like Sinner is going to beat Alcaraz like it's a given. Only a fool would celebrate someone winning before the match even happened. Bet your house on it if you're so sure, the odds are still good.

Dude this is you before the US Open final:

So here we are again , can Carlos takes the revenge or Sinner will keep proving hey he’s basically a Nadal on HC ? I pick Sinner in 4

Tbh Carlos is serving fine this USO and Sinner himself is not serving well , Carlos has more weapons under his arsenal than MugAA. Match will be 60-40 Sinner.

And Sinner got pwned severely, should've been straight sets if we're being honest.

Before Rome you said:

Sinner will be the red hot favourite

Here's you before the FO final:

I am quite reluctant to pick Sinner here after watching Carlos straight up bullying Musetti. However I am going to stick to my guns and pick Sinner in 4 ( winning Rome was a kiss of death for Alcaraz since winning Rome plus RG double is a close to impossible task)

Sinner in 4, ok....

Here's you before Cinci final:

Don’t see Sinner losing it , Sinner in 2

Man I don’t wanna start it again but people downplaying Sinner is getting out of hand , i mean in what world playing an ATG who has one slam more than you is weaker than playing no ATG?

You have been wrong about Sinner before and again you will be wrong about him again my friend.

Dude out of absolute pity I'm not going to beat on this dead horse. You've been so wrong it's not even funny. You wouldn't pick Alcaraz to beat Sinner if Sinner was on one leg and he faced a zoning Alcaraz in Madrid. Absolute blindfolded by your own fanboyism.

 

[ForehandCross]

What a disrespectful return.

 

[dking68]

I think Sinner is going to be too strong. Carlitos will be on fumes after the SF. But you never quite know with Carlitos. He keeps doing these very freaky extraordinary actions on the court.

I'd prefer to see Sinner win, but honestly any of the three players left I'd be happy with them winning. All would be deserving winners.

How do you think the final will play out?

I don’t see him losing two of his hard court crowns, especially to the same player, this would mean if he loses the AO final, he would have gone over a year without winning a HC slam - which is his bread and butter, and I just can’t see it happening.


Under the cool, dark skies, bright lights, the lowest of bouncing conditions, I cannot see Carlos Garfia defeating Sinner in these pristine conditions for immaculate ballstriking and precise timing. I’m going for Sinner to win his 3rd Melbourne title in 4 sets.

 

[middleballs]

While it was a bit frustrating that Alcaraz didn’t manage to close it (a lot) faster, seeing Zverev choking another one away was in every sense worth the extra effort.

 

[Federer and Del Potro]

I need some shut eye. Hoping to see Alexander got this to a 5th and lost when I wake up in a few hours. The memes would write themselves. Enjoy y’all

LOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOL

 

[reaper]

I feel a bit sorry for Zverev. He could have easily choked away his 5th set service break early but saved break points in 3 straight service games with clutch tennis including several big forehands down the line. Only at the very end did brain fade set in with chip and charges landing near the service line, and passive half court shots to the Alcaraz forehand just begging to be hit.

 

[Subway Tennis]

I don’t see him losing two of his hard court crowns, especially to the same player, this would mean if he loses the AO final, he would have gone over a year without winning a HC slam - which is his bread and butter, and I just can’t see it happening.


Under the cool, dark skies, bright lights, the lowest of bouncing conditions, I cannot see Carlos Garfia defeating Sinner in these pristine conditions for immaculate ballstriking and precise timing. I’m going for Sinner to win his 3rd Melbourne title in 4 sets.

Absolutely, those proper night match conditions for the final are definitely to Sinner's advantage.

I'd really like Jannik to get tonight's match done in straights, though, so he is nice and fresh for the final.

 

[tennis_pro]

I feel a bit sorry for Zverev. He could have easily choked away his 5th set service break early but saved break points in 3 straight service games with clutch tennis including several big forehands down the line. Only at the very end did brain fade set in with chip and charges landing near the service line, and passive half court shots to the Alcaraz forehand just begging to be hit.

To be honest I think it was more physical than mental for Zverev, he looked like had 0 energy left, while Alcaraz focused and clutched a couple of good (but not spectacular shots). In my eyes the match was over once Alcaraz broke back and Carlos did a quick hold and break to win.

I was impressed with Zverev holding serve during the 5th set, but Alcaraz was just too relentless.

 

[mike danny]

I feel a bit sorry for Zverev. He could have easily choked away his 5th set service break early but saved break points in 3 straight service games with clutch tennis including several big forehands down the line. Only at the very end did brain fade set in with chip and charges landing near the service line, and passive half court shots to the Alcaraz forehand just begging to be hit.

That's been Zverev in a nutshell though.

 

[AgassiSuperSlam11]

Just woke up fell asleep after the 3rd set it look like Alcaraz was cramping and waiting to be saved by the pickle juice. I don't think Z had a chance against Sinner (as long as healthy) so Alcaraz-Sinner or Djoko will be more entertaining.

 

[MichaelNadal]

https://twitter.com/x/status/2017166200283787293

 

[Fabrivitx]

I don’t see him losing two of his hard court crowns, especially to the same player, this would mean if he loses the AO final, he would have gone over a year without winning a HC slam - which is his bread and butter, and I just can’t see it happening.


Under the cool, dark skies, bright lights, the lowest of bouncing conditions, I cannot see Carlos Garfia defeating Sinner in these pristine conditions for immaculate ballstriking and precise timing. I’m going for Sinner to win his 3rd Melbourne title in 4 sets.

The problem is Sinner seeems to make a higher unforced errors this AO. Thats was one of hes greatest advantages against Carlos.

 

[reaper]

That's been Zverev in a nutshell though.

To some extent that's true, but the White flag often goes up much earlier. I've seen him play big matches where he barely shows up at all. When he was aggressive late in the match, it was all to Alcaraz's forehand, but he was missing because he knew he had to play the perfect shot. When Alcaraz's adrenaline's flowing he's a handful for anyone, but you really want to be avoiding his forehand at all costs.

 

[Succession]

Gotta give credit to Samuel López for guiding Carlos through the cramping episode.

Yes man, I like the energy between them

 

[ForehandCross]

Novak GOAT

 

[reaper]

To be honest I think it was more physical than mental for Zverev, he looked like had 0 energy left, while Alcaraz focused and clutched a couple of good (but not spectacular shots). In my eyes the match was over once Alcaraz broke back and Carlos did a quick hold and break to win.

I was impressed with Zverev holding serve during the 5th set, but Alcaraz was just too relentless.

He was certainly out on his feet, but there was definite brain fade. Alcaraz serving 3-5 30-15 Zverev had a sitter forehand high and near the net. He tried to beat Alcaraz on the forehand side where Alcaraz was running and missed it wide. The whole court to his backhand was open. Twice when he dropped serve he missed long trying to beat Alcaraz's forehand. He knows Alcaraz's forehand is lethal, which gives him only a small target when going there. He was like a moth to the flame going there late.

 

[Succession]

Carlos cares more about Sinner. He's learned these tactics from the Italian I bet.

Yes. And possibly also took some inspiration from last year’s QF against Nole

 

[tennis_pro]

He was certainly out on his feet, but there was definite brain fade. Alcaraz serving 3-5 30-15 Zverev had a sitter forehand high and near the net. He tried to beat Alcaraz on the forehand side where Alcaraz was running and missed it wide. The whole court to his backhand was open. Twice when he dropped serve he missed long trying to beat Alcaraz's forehand. He knows Alcaraz's forehand is lethal, which gives him only a small target when going there. He was like a moth to the flame going there late.

There were 2 or 3 points at 5-3 or 5-4 I think where Zverev started to loop his forehand in the middle of the court. Alcaraz smelled blood.

 

[roysid]

Boy that "leg injury" healed as if by miracle

It was cramps they'll just cover their own butts after breaking their own rule

good tennis anyway, that just cheapened it, almost certainly changed the outcome

Of course cramps. Pickle juice took effect and after 30 minutes he was totally fresh

 

[reaper]

There were 2 or 3 points at 5-3 or 5-4 I think where Zverev started to loop his forehand in the middle of the court. Alcaraz smelled blood.

Yes, having hit several lasers down the line earlier in the set.

 

[Angrybirdstar]

Bad night to be Zverev’s girlfriend.

can you explain this to me? seems like a gauche joke about domestic abuse...

 

[Subway Tennis]

Insanely clutch last game from ServoVic. What a match play wizard.

 

[Aussie Darcy]

can you explain this to me? seems like a gauche joke about domestic abuse...

Not at all a joke, a real concern.

 

[NYTennisfan]

I can't believe I missed the last two sets of this match because of stupid sleep. I'm so jealous of you guys that got to watch this live.

With that said, Let's Go Carlitos!!!! The clutch gebe is strong in this one and not so much in Zed.
How did Carlos look physically at the end? Does it look like he'll be able to play the final?

 

[ACE of Hearts]

Damn. Novak is gonna have to keep holding.

 

[Angrybirdstar]

Not at all a joke, a real concern.

i don't doubt that you care about the allegations themselves (given how much i've seen you post about them previously), but the tone you've conveyed with that comment in the past is more suggestive of delight about Zv*rev's losses than genuine concern for his girlfriends.

I mean if I was his girlfriend I probably would be worried.. especially with the allegations at play..

Hope his girlfriend is away from him!

My precise thoughts, I hope she has another hotel room tonight to stay the heck away from him. We've heard the allegations about what he does when he loses big matches by not one but multiple ex girlfriends!

I hope his current girlfriend steers clear from him when he inevitably loses his match in the 4R/QF/SF. Wouldn’t want to be anywhere near that man…

I just hope whichever girlfriend he has will be ok at the end of the night!

Zverev now 0-3 in slam finals. Oh how sweet.

I just hope his girlfriend and team will be safe tonight.

 

[Aussie Darcy]

i don't doubt that you care about the allegations themselves (given how much i've seen you post about them previously), but the tone you've conveyed with that comment in the past is more suggestive of delight about Zv*rev's losses than genuine concern for his girlfriends.

Well done spending a solid 10-20 minutes going through my previous posts where i've expressed concerns for Zverev's girlfriend

I'd encourage you to spend your time better next time because I stand by all those posts. Maybe your time would be better spent with a paying job? Or maybe volunteering? Maybe a pet? Maybe spending time with family? Or keep scrolling through my old posts, that's fun too. Xx

 

[Krish872007]

Yes but keep in mind nadal beat fed jn the final after a 5 hour and 14 minute match in the semis against verdasco.

This was also when Nadal was pretty much the same age that Alcaraz is now.

 

[tudwell]

Good lord, I went to bed after Alcaraz wrapped up the second. Did NOT expect to wake up to this kind of scoreline lol. Glad he could find his way to the finish line despite the cramps or whatever seems to have been bothering him.

 

[BorgTheGOAT]

He is far more successful than you ever will be in life, stop talking of karma BS Darcy.

Zverev is famous, a multi-millionaire, handsome, can have good-looking Women as Gf. But let haters in TTW have there little victories once in a while to drool over him losing in semifinals of tennis slams and therefore only being top 5 in his profession instead of No.1. It is still better than 99.999% of people.

 

[tennis24x7]

Carlos barely beat a diabete ill Zverev after 5 hours and u still flexing? This is ur goat?

Since when has Zverev's diabetes suddenly a factor? Anything to slam Alcaraz, this is ridiculous.

 

[tennis24x7]

This was also when Nadal was pretty much the same age that Alcaraz is now.

Agreed but until it happens we cannot say Alcaraz is the same, Nadal was the GOAT of stamina.

 

[tennis24x7]

Djokovic has no shot of winning. Sucks cause I could totally see him beating Alcaraz in the final.

Let him take Sinner to 5 sets first.

 

[BorgTheGOAT]

Raz is 22 years old. At 23 and 24 Nadal and Djokovic won AO finals against other big 3 members after similar marathon matches in the semi (Rafa even with less than 24 hours rest). The final is on Sunday and Sinner is playing the second semi (which seems to last longer than expected as well). Whatever happens on Sunday, it will not be decided because Raz played a tough match against Zverev. If it was, then he is not as great as he is supposed.

 

[tennis24x7]

Alcaraz will be willing to die this Sunday, his heart and will to win is simply incredible.

I feel he will pull a Nadal where he will make Sinner play 5 sets. Sinner was panting heavily in the final point against Shelton doesn't look like his stamina is back. If both of them start suffering, it will be the biggest anti-climax of this century

 

[SonicNirvana]

Wow what a fantastic return by Carlos on BP to end it

 

[Rattie]

I feel he will pull a Nadal where he will make Sinner play 5 sets. Sinner was panting heavily in the final point against Shelton doesn't look like his stamina is back. If both of them start suffering, it will be the biggest anti-climax of this century

Except he won’t as Sinner ain’t playing

 

[The Guru]

Tbh should have broken at least twice in 5set already

Let's go sweet sweet justice

 

[EddieChang]

Yes but keep in mind nadal beat fed jn the final after a 5 hour and 14 minute match in the semis against verdasco.

Exactly my point

 

[PlaysInAviatorShades]

Has anyone looked as miserable playing tennis as Zverev? From the second he walks onto the court til the game is over a grimace of disgust

 

[bluetrain4]

I really thought after Zverev was able to fend off the earlier break points in different service games earlier in the fifth set that MAYBE he'd actually pull it out. But the 4-5 break for Alcaraz wasn't even that dramatic, seemed almost inevitable. BUT, I still thought Zverev might hold to get to the tiebreak and then who knows. But of course he's broken again. Amazing stuff from Carlos after missing earlier opportunities and really wildly missing some big-point forehands, and of course overcoming the cramps/injury.

I know he has no one to blame but himself, and a lot of people don't like Zverev, but I can't help but feel bad for him.

 

[bluetrain4]

Has anyone looked as miserable playing tennis as Zverev? From the second he walks onto the court til the game is over a grimace of disgust

I actually think on-court coaching has hurt him. It just gives him more avenues to be bitchy and miserable and vent and doubt himself and his game. He's too dependent on that outlet. I think he might be better trying to figure out his game and emotions largely on his own on court.

 

[Mustard]

I actually thought Zed was going for brave winners way more than normal today. But obviously that wasn't enough.

Not when Zverev served for the match, but mostly in the game where he served at 4-3 in the fifth set to hold for 5-3.

 

[Big_Dangerous]

Zverev still played passive when he served for the match, like hoping that Alcaraz makes errors to gift it to him. This isn't survival on the battlefield, you've got to go out and grab the prize!

He definitely got tight trying to serve for it at 5-4 in that fifth set. I do have to say that the mental fortitude of Alcaraz is really amazing to see. Going back to that FO final against Sinner when he was down 15-40 double championship points and then somehow manage to escape, it's incredible stuff.

 

[Mustard]

He definitely got tight trying to serve for it at 5-4 in that fifth set. I do have to say that the mental fortitude of Alcaraz is really amazing to see. Going back to that FO final against Sinner when he was down 15-40 double championship points and then somehow manage to escape, it's incredible stuff.

Alcaraz seems to really enjoy the challenge of it. His Harry Houdini acts.