Alcaraz staged a comeback, while Zverev lost a promising position; the Australian Open journey has been a saga of hardships and tears!

Today in Beijing time, the Australian Open featured two men's singles semifinals. As of now, Djokovic and Sinner's match continues; while earlier completed, top seed Alcaraz and last year's finalist Zverev together presented an exciting five-set duel.

Alcaraz, leading by two sets, suddenly suffered from cramps and was caught up by the German player who won the next two sets. In the decisive final set, Zverev broke serve first, but despite leading 5-3 with a chance to serve for the match, he was broken back and lost four consecutive games, allowing Alcaraz to complete the comeback.

Statistics show that after reaching the quarterfinals five times at the Australian Open, the German player has repeatedly been eliminated by opponents at crucial stages. Let's review:

2020 Australian Open semifinals: lost 1-3 to Thiem after winning the first set

As commentators mentioned, Zverev rarely suffers upsets in Grand Slams. The Australian Open was the first major where he made a breakthrough, reaching the semifinals six years ago. Facing his friend Thiem, despite taking the first set, he was reversed. Coupled with losing again to the same opponent in the US Open final that year, his feelings were understandably bitter.

2021 Australian Open quarterfinals: lost 1-3 to Djokovic after winning the first set

By 2021, Zverev was appearing more frequently in the later rounds of major tournaments. Even against the Melbourne king Djokovic, he managed to take an early lead, but the outcome still did not favor him.

2024 Australian Open semifinals: lost 2-3 to Medvedev after once leading 2-0

This is another painful memory for Zverev at the Australian Open. Just like the US Open final that year, facing a fellow '95-born player, he was overturned after leading by two sets in a dramatic comeback by his opponent.

2025 Australian Open final: swept 0-3 by Sinner without reaching a break point

In last year’s final, although Zverev was well-rested due to Djokovic’s withdrawal in the semifinals, the in-form Sinner played flawlessly and never allowed Zverev a break point throughout the match, resulting in another heartbreaking defeat in the final.

2026 Australian Open semifinals: lost 2-3 to Alcaraz after leading 5-3 in the final set and losing four consecutive games

In today’s match, Zverev had the chance to close it out on his serve at 5-3 after hitting a passing shot to win the crucial game. However, he didn’t celebrate and instead tried to motivate himself, showing signs of doubt. Ultimately, he lost four straight games, suffering yet another bitter loss.

Including the 2017 third round where he led 2-1 but was overturned by Nadal, and the 2018 third round where he led 2-1 but was reversed by Chung after a bagel set, Zverev’s Australian Open history appears tougher than at the other three Grand Slams!

Nevertheless, we must applaud him for his efforts! He has done more than enough. The question remains: when will we truly witness his transformation and breakthrough? (Source: Tennis Home, Author: Luo Cheng Qi Ye)