Alcaraz gets bounced in Australian quarters
Zverev, Medvedev earn final spots in semifinals
MELBOURNE, Australia — After backhanding the ball into the crowd when Carlos Alcaraz sent his service return too long, Alexander Zverev screamed. He shook both arms in a victory celebration and again he screamed, a mix of triumph and relief.
Any self-doubt that he could contend for major titles again were expunged in a 6-1, 6-3,
6-7 (2), 6-4 quarterfinal win on Wednesday over the brightest rising star in tennis, earning the No. 6-seeded Zverev a spot in the Australian Open semifinals against No. 3 Daniil Medvedev.
A serious ankle injury at the 2022 French Open and the ensuing layoff made Zverev wonder if he really was good enough to win a Grand Slam title.
A pending trial in a German court over an assault allegation dating back to 2020 has had critics questioning his status on the tour.
He has denied the accusations and declined comment on the judicial proceedings scheduled for May.
Alcaraz, the No. 2 seed, won Wimbledon last year and was the only player to beat 10-time Australian Open winner Novak Djokovic in a major in 2023.
“Look, I’m playing one of the best players in the world,” Zverev said. “Then when you start winning, obviously your brain starts going. It’s not always helpful, but I’m happy I got it at the end.”
Alcaraz had dropped only one set in the four previous rounds.
“I’m sad with my level today, because I have been playing good tennis,” Alcaraz said. “Obviously quarterfinal of a Grand Slam is a good run. It’s not what I’m looking for, but is not bad.”
Medvedev, a two-time finalist in Australia, outlasted ninth-seeded Hubert Hurkacz 7-6 (4), 2-6, 6-3, 5-7, 6-4 to make it to the semifinals here for the third time in four years.
In the other semifinal Djokovic, on a 33-match winning streak at the Australian Open, will play Jannik Sinner, who beat him twice in three matches at the end of last year.
The women’s semifinal lineup was completed when No. 12 Zheng Qinwen won 10 of the last 11 games to fend off Anna Kalinskaya 6-7 (4), 6-3, 6-1 on Wednesday and Dayana Yastremska beat Linda Noskova 6-3, 6-4.
Defending champion Aryna Sabalenka and U.S. Open winner Coco Gauff will meet in the other semifinal.
“Really excited,” Zheng said. “Of course I’m proud of myself. But this is just the beginning — I still need to play tomorrow.”