Alcaraz holds … just. So Zverev is serving for the match at 5-4 – and a place in the Australian Open final for a second consecutive year. And what is now the longest semi-final in the tournament’s history is extended further as Alcaraz breaks a suddenly edgy, error-strewn Zverev to 15! It’s 5-5 in the decider. AND. ON. THEY. GO!
Alcaraz, having barely been able to move a couple of hours ago because of what appeared to be cramp, is zipping around the court now and has two chances to break at advantage on Zverev’s serve. But Zverev shows formidable fortitude to hold, and Alcaraz must now serve to stay in the match at 6-4, 7-6, 6-7, 6-7, 3-5. You can follow the twists and turns with Joey here. At five hours and seven minutes, the match is less than 10 minutes shy of being the longest semi-final in Australian Open history.
And here’s Tumaini’s preview of Sinner v Djokovic:
Novak Djokovic has insisted that he will not “walk out with a white flag” as he prepares for his latest battle with one of the ATP’s dominant top two in a grand slam semi-final, this time against the two-time defending champion Jannik Sinner on Friday in Melbourne.
“I’m creating my own history, and I think I’ve been very clear when I say that my intention is always to … get to the championship match in every tournament, particularly slams,” Djokovic said. “Slams are one of the biggest reasons why I keep on competing and playing tennis. So that’s all I can say.
