A fourth consecutive slam final between the new big two, Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner, is on the cards at the Australian Open – unless either Alex Zverev or Novak Djokovic can pull an upset on Friday.
See all the news from Day 13 of the Australian Open below!
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Follow live updates from Day 13 at Melbourne Park below, and scroll down for more news!
AUSSIES WIN MIXED DOUBLES CROWN… AGAIN
For the first time in 37 years, we have back-to-back champions in the Australian Open mixed doubles – and it’s the wildcards John Peers and Olivia Gadecki.
They came back from a set down to prevail over French pair Kristina Mladenovic and Manuel Guinard 4-6 6-3 [10-8] on Rod Laver Arena.
The Aussies trailed 4-6 in the match tiebreak having failed to make a first serve to that point, but pinched a point back off Mladenovic’s racquet to get things on serve at 6-7.
The Aussies then claimed both points on Gadecki’s serve for an 8-7 edge before Peers got a look at Guinard’s second serve to blast massive winner and earn two championship points.
With Gadecki returning Guinard’s serve they couldn’t convert the first, leaving the title on Peers’ racquet. Guinard sent the second serve return into the net.
It’s the first time 1988-89 we’ve seen repeat winners of the mixed doubles title, and they’re the first Aussies to do it since Margaret Court and Ken Fletcher 62 years ago.
Djoker hits back at ‘chasing’ claim | 01:10
DAY 13 PREVIEW (with AFP)
A supremely focused Carlos Alcaraz is two wins away from tennis history, but last year’s finalist Alex Zverev will be looking to spoil the final everyone expects.
The Spanish world number one silenced a partisan Melbourne crowd in brushing aside outclassed home hope Alex de Minaur 7-5, 6-2, 6-1 at Rod Laver Arena on Tuesday.
The 22-year-old Alcaraz is yet to drop a set as he arrows in on a maiden Australian Open crown.
“I’m just really happy how I’m playing every match, each round my level is increasing,” he said, in a warning to his rivals.
“Today I felt really comfortable, playing great tennis that I am really proud of,” added Alcaraz, who had never previously gone beyond the quarter-finals in Australia in four previous visits.
The Australian Open is the only Grand Slam that Alcaraz has not won. Should he beat Zverev and then win Sunday’s final, he would surpass compatriot and legend Rafael Nadal as the youngest man to win all four majors.
Nadal was 24 when he did it.
Alcaraz was delighted to see some of his hard work in the off-season come to fruition.
“I’ve been working on the concentration, the focus. Not having ups and downs in the matches has been one of my main goals,” he said.
German third seed Zverev sent down 24 aces in a 6-3, 6-7 (5/7), 6-1, 7-6 (7/3) victory over Learner Tien of the United States to book his last-four spot.
“I have seen him throughout the whole tournament and I know he is playing great, aggressive tennis,” Alcaraz said of Zverev.
“I have to be ready, not just me but my whole team as well.
“We need to play tactically really well, it’s going to be a great battle.”
Alcaraz and Zverev have met 12 times previously, with each winning six matches.
Alcaraz too good for De Minaur | 02:54
On the other side of the draw, reigning champion Jannik Sinner must take care of “inspiration” and 24-time grand slam winner Novak Djokovic.
Despite Djokovic’s history, recent form suggests Sinner is more likely to take care of business than Alcaraz.
“We all know what a challenge I am up to,” the relentless Sinner, who is chasing a third Australian title in a row, said of facing Djokovic, 38 after smashing Ben Shelton in straight sets on Wednesday.
“These are the moments you practice for and wake up for in the morning.
“It improves you as a player and a person, we are lucky to have Novak still here playing incredible tennis for his age.”
Sinner has a 6-4 win-loss record over the Serb, but has won their last five encounters.
Djokovic, a record 10-time winner in Melbourne, took his place in the semi-finals when Italian opponent Lorenzo Musetti retired hurt when he was leading the Serb 6-4, 6-3, 1-3.
Sinner, who has now reached a sixth consecutive Grand Slam semi-final, said that Djokovic still set the standard for professionalism.
“Me, as a 24-year-old, I’m lucky to have someone like him in front of my eyes, and I can hopefully learn something,” said Sinner, who together with Alcaraz has dominated the last eight majors.
“He’s an inspiration for all of us and especially the young players,” he added.
AUSTRALIAN OPEN DAY 13 ORDER OF PLAY
Men’s Singles Semi-Finals and Mixed Doubles Final
Rod Laver Arena
Day session from 12pm
[WC] Olivia Gadecki and John Peers (AUS) vs Kristina Mladenovic and Manuel Guinard (FRA)
Not before 2:30pm
[1] Carlos Alcaraz (ESP) vs [3] Alex Zverev (GER)
Night session from 7:30pm
[4] Novak Djokovic (SRB) vs [2] Jannik Sinner (ITA)
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