Carlos Alcaraz has reacted to his emotional and dramatic five-set marathon against Alexander Zverev on Friday evening, describing the match as “one of the most demanding matches” of his career.
The World No.1 fought off a severe bout of cramp from the middle of the third set onwards to win 6-4, 7-6 (7-5), 6-7 (3-7), 6-7 (4-7), 7-5 and qualify for his first-ever Australian Open Final.
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Alcaraz’ win didn’t come without controversy though, after his German opponent expressed his frustration with a critical three-minute break in play at 5-4 in the third set which saw the Spaniard consume pickle juice to counter his cramp.
From there, the clash between the star duo went on to become the third-longest match in Australian Open history, finally finishing after five hours and 25 minutes.
Speaking to former American tennis player Jim Courier post-match, Alcaraz pointed internally when asked about his phenomenal comeback.
“Believing. Believing all the time. I always say that you have to believe in yourself no matter what struggles you’re going through,” Alcaraz said.
“You’ve got to still believe in yourself all the time, I was struggling in the middle of the third set. Physically, it was one of the most demanding matches I’ve ever played in my short career.
“But I’ve been in these kinds of matches before, so I knew what I had to do. I had to put my heart into the match. I think I did it.
“I fought til the last ball. I knew I would have my chances. I was patient in the fifth set. Extremely proud of my serve and the way I came back in the 5th set.”
Alcaraz looked down-and-out for good at the start of the fifth set, with Zverev breaking his serve with the opening game of the stanza before taking a quick 2-0 lead.
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He fought back well as the deciding set went on, but didn’t have a break back to show for it until Zverev was serving for the match at 5-4.
Zverev fought off multiple break points in at at 4-3, but couldn’t hold it together when he needed it the most to lose the final four games of the match, and see Alcaraz in with a shot to become the youngest player to ever achieve a ‘Career Slam’ on Sunday, having won a title at each of the other three Grand Slams.
“Well, thank you for putting so much pressure on me right now! I’m kidding, I’m kidding,” Alcaraz joked when asked about his shot at history.
“I’m really happy to have the chance to play my first final here, it’s something I was pursuing a lot. I think it’s been a great two weeks so far.
“I wouldn’t be here right now without these guys (the crowd) … it was a real pleasure playing in front of you. The way you pushed me back into the match, the way you pushed me every time, every ball, every point. I’m really grateful for the support I got not only in this match but the whole tournament.”
Alcaraz will play the winner of Jannik Sinner and Novak Djokovic in the final, which will take place on Sunday night.
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