ATP Tour
‘He has to sweat’ — Can Zverev rise to Alcaraz’s SF problem at Australian Open?
World No. 1, who’s chasing the Profession Grand Slam, faces final 12 months’s Melbourne finalist
January 29, 2026
2026 Peter Staples
Carlos Alcaraz and Alexander Zverev are tied at 6-6 of their Lexus ATP Head2Head sequence.
By Jerome Coombe
At an Australian Open the place the stakes stretch past a spot within the remaining, Carlos Alcaraz and Alexander Zverev collide in Friday’s semi-final with vastly completely different milestones in sight, and their Lexus ATP Head2Head rivalry finely balanced at 6–6.
Alcaraz, the No. 1 participant within the PIF ATP Rankings, is chasing his first Australian Open title, with which he would full the Profession Grand Slam, whereas for Zverev — a three-time main finalist and final 12 months’s runner-up in Melbourne — the stakes centre on a long-awaited maiden Slam trophy.
Their conflict is scheduled for two:30 p.m. native time / 10:30 p.m. EST inside Rod Laver Area.
🎾Alcaraz vs Zverev🧐
Our comparability exhibits the gamers knowledge when taking part in in opposition to one another on the ATP Tour, with how they carry out in opposition to their 52-week averages📊#TennisInsights | @atptour pic.twitter.com/eSHuWg8Ieq
— Tennis Insights (@tennis_insights) January 29, 2026
Their paths to the semi-finals replicate that distinction. Zverev has been repeatedly examined, dropping a set in 4 of 5 matches, whereas Alcaraz has been scientific all through, reaching his fourth straight main semi-final — and first in Melbourne — with out dropping a set. Alcaraz has since carefully tracked each Zverev’s stage and the toll required to maintain it.
“I’ve watched his matches by way of the match,” Alcaraz stated of Zverev. “It’s spectacular the extent he is been taking part in to date, so it may be an ideal battle. I do know that he is serving fairly nicely. He is taking part in actually strong and aggressive when he can within the rallies from the baseline.
“I will likely be prepared, for certain. I am enthusiastic about taking part in him right here [at the] AO in a semi-final. I do know what I’ve to do. I will likely be nicely ready for that match. If he desires to beat me, he has to sweat loads.”
Alcaraz’s quarter-final win over Alex de Minaur showcased his rising management in Melbourne, lifting his depth after a good opening set by way of heavier ball hanging and disciplined aggression. These are traits he’ll once more depend on to pull Zverev into bodily exchanges.
Zverev’s run has been powered by his serve. Towards Learner Tien, he struck 24 aces and used his first strike to shorten factors, a sample that has outlined his match and will likely be central if he’s to keep away from prolonged rallies.
The semi-final could hinge on whether or not Alcaraz can stretch Zverev and lengthen exchanges, or whether or not Zverev can impose his serve and draw on his expertise at this stage in Melbourne — together with final 12 months’s remaining — in a setting that continues to be new territory for Alcaraz on the Australian Open.
“I truly really feel like prime gamers really feel probably the most strain to start with, not having an early exit,” Zverev stated earlier than he knew the end result of Alcaraz and De Minaur’s quarter-final. “Now, whoever I will play within the semis, Carlos or Alex, they’re nice gamers. You simply are wanting ahead to a incredible match. That is what you’re looking ahead to.
“In fact, in my case, I am nonetheless chasing that desired Slam. I nonetheless wish to obtain that, however I additionally wish to get pleasure from my tennis. Proper now I am doing that, and that is crucial factor for me.”
With historical past beckoning on either side, a rivalry locked at 6–6, and contrasting strengths poised to collide, this Australian Open semi-final shapes as a check of technique, stamina and nerve.
