Carlos Alcaraz becomes youngest-ever to reach all four Grand Slam finals
(Courtesy :Â @andys_murray/Twitter)
The Spaniard beat Alexander Zverev to advance to a maiden Australian Open final.
Carlos Alcaraz etched his name deeper into tennis history on January 30 by defeating Alexander Zverev in a grueling five-set semi-final at the Australian Open. The World No. 1 triumphed 6-4, 7-6(5), 6-7(3), 6-7(4), 7-5 in 5 hours and 27 minutes, the longest semi-final in tournament history and the third-longest match ever at Melbourne Park.
This victory propelled Alcaraz, aged 22 years and 258 days, into his first Australian Open final and marked a pair of remarkable Open Era records.
The match was a rollercoaster of momentum shifts. Alcaraz dominated early, taking the first two sets and appearing poised for a straight-sets win after not dropping a set in his prior rounds. However, in the third set, he began limping due to an apparent upper right leg issue, being possibly a cramp or strain.
After holding at 5-4, he took a medical timeout for treatment and massages on his thigh. Zverev, visibly frustrated with the break, capitalized to force tiebreakers and claim the third and fourth sets.
The German held firm in the fourth, but the contest spilled into a decisive fifth set, the first five-setter on Rod Laver Arena this tournament.
Also Read: Top five longest men’s singles matches at Australian Open
Down early in the fifth after dropping serve, Alcaraz fought back relentlessly. He squandered multiple break points but converted a crucial break when the German served for the match at 5-4. Holding for 6-5, Alcaraz sealed victory on his first match point as Zverev served to stay alive.
Despite physical struggles, Alcaraz’s resilience shone through as he sprinted for winners, drew roaring crowd support, and refused to yield. Post-match, he credited his belief: “I had to put my heart into the match… Extremely proud of myself.”
This triumph made Alcaraz the youngest player in the Open Era to reach finals at all four Grand Slams, surpassing Jim Courier (22 years, 308 days in 1993) and ahead of Jannik Sinner (23 years, 331 days).
More strikingly, at 22 years and 258 days, he became the youngest to reach four consecutive men’s singles Grand Slam finals, topping Sinner’s mark (23 years, 318 days).
With six Grand Slam titles already (two each at Roland Garros, Wimbledon, and the US Open), the Spaniard stands one win from completing a career Grand Slam and potentially becoming the youngest-ever to do so, eclipsing Don Budge’s pre-Open Era record and Rafael Nadal’s Open Era mark.
He will face either two-time defending champion Jannik Sinner or Novak Djokovic (chasing a 25th major) in the final on February 1.
Who did Carlos Alcaraz defeat to reach final of Australian Open 2026?
World No. 1 Alcaraz defeated third seed Alexander Zverev in five sets to reach his maiden Australian Open final. He won 6-4, 7-6(5), 6-7(3), 6-7(4), 7-5 after a five-hour and 27-minute gruelling fight.
What records did Carlos Alcaraz set by reaching his maiden Australian Open final?
By reaching his first-ever Australian Open final, Alcaraz has become the youngest man to reach the final of all four Grand Slams. At 22 years and 258 days old, he is also the youngest to reach four consecutive men’s singles Grand Slam finals.
Who will Carlos Alcaraz face in the Australian Open 2026 final?
Alcaraz will face the winner of the second semi-final between Novak Djokovic and Jannik Sinner.
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Aniruddh Seshadri Iyer is a passionate sports journalist at Khel Now, specializing in tennis and Olympic sports. An engineer by training, he found his storytelling passion through iconic Grand Slam and Olympic moments. Known for sharp analysis and insightful coverage, he draws inspiration from Novak Djokovic’s resilience. Outside journalism, he enjoys reading, traveling, and playing the guitar.