Alexander Zverev’s Masterclass: Alcaraz Stunned in Australian Open 2024!

Alcaraz was the favourite but the German proved why he is one of the most highly regarded players on the ATP tour.

Alexander Zverev’s Grand Slam Challenge: Australian Open

Coming into the Australian Open quarterfinal against Carlos Alcaraz, Alexander Zverev was 0-10 against the top-5 in the world at Grand Slams. He would reach the second week of the tournament and then succumb to pressure; to concern; to his expectations.

So even before the tournament began, many didn’t give him a chance. Zverev had the greater serve but Carlos Alcaraz had stamina, the all-court game, the better return, and had spent almost five hours less on the court.

And if you felt differently, they pointed to his record against the top players in the best-of-five-sets competitions. It made sense. But then sport is all about second chances and the 26-year-old underscored that as he strolled to a 6-1, 6-3, 6-7 (2), 6-4 triumph on Wednesday.

Zverev’s Dominance and Alcaraz’s Struggle: A Tale of Contrasting Performances at Rod Laver Arena

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Everyone, even those at the Rod Laver Arena, couldn’t believe their eyes as the lanky German stormed to a 3-0 lead in eight minutes and then finished off the first set 6-1, in only 29 minutes.

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It all appeared to have come together for Zverev — his serve was scorching, the backhand down the line was working wonderfully and even his normally erratic forehand was getting the job done. It was all pretty business-like and professional. This was the version of Zverev who had been anointed as Federer’s successor by many. The leader of Gen Next.

On the opposite side of the net was Carlos Alcaraz who most fans would have a rough time identifying — his game and his energy seemed to have abandoned him. He jumped generations to win two Grand Slams in his first 11 Majors. But since Wimbledon 2023, he has failed to reach a final on the ATP tour. His performance was a reminder of his scorching run.

But many assumed the 20-year-old Spaniard would be shocked out of his stupor by the fiasco that was the first performance. To an extent he was, but Zverev managed to retain his level too.

Alcaraz’s Resilience and Zverev’s Pressure: Unraveling the Turn of Events in the Australian Open Quarterfinal

When the German was down two breakpoints in the sixth game of the second set, he saved himself with some great tennis. The squandered opportunity came back to haunt Alcaraz as he was broken in the seventh game. That was all Zverev needed and he finished out the second set 6-3 in 42 minutes.

There was still no reaction from Alcaraz. His box bore a ghostly look. No one appeared to have answers. It became worse when he was broken in the fourth game of the third set. He was trailing 1-3 and perhaps the scenario had some learnings of its own.

Alcaraz continued attempting for the flair shots nonetheless. At no time did he change direction and embrace a more cautious strategy. The analysts were wondering whether a more solid approach would have worked. But he kept at it.

And the tenacity coupled with Zverev’s nervousness bore fruit in the ninth game of the third set. A forehand volley gave him the break that let him to pull the set back on serve and as he slipped into his chair during the changeover, he grinned. Maybe, just maybe, he might expose his real level again.

“I’m playing one of the top players in the world,” stated Zverev, when thinking about the malfunction, following the match. “Especially during the prior 2 years… He’s been number 1 or number 2. He’s won 2 Grand Slams.

Zverev’s Resilience and Dominance: From Setback to Victory

When you’re ahead 6-1 6-3 5-2 you start thinking. We’re all human. It’s a great pleasure to portray somebody like him. When you start winning, your brain begins going. It’s not always helpful…”

It simply wasn’t helpful at all. You don’t want to give the greatest players a chance to turn things around. Do it and you don’t entirely know what you could obtain. Alcaraz wrapped off the set in the tiebreaker and when Zverev had a medical timeout between sets, the Spaniard swayed to the music in the arena.

To his credit, Zverev didn’t buckle. Despite the third-set setback, he didn’t lose his cool. Focused on the match again, he started hitting a lot more first serves in and generally utilized any opportunity to put the pressure back on Alcaraz.

The tactic paid off and he won the key break at 4-5 and then served out the match. There was no second stumble.

The truly astonishing number from this encounter was how Zverev managed to reach a first-serve percentage of 85. When someone who serves as huge as him does it, he becomes fairly hard to beat. He also won 7 out of 10 breakpoints and pushed Alcaraz under immense strain from the outset to secure his first win over a Top-5 player at a Grand Slam. In the last four, the sixth seed will meet the third seed, Danii Medvedev.

Zverev is back in the Australian Open semi-finals for the first time since 2020 and Alcaraz will have to go back to the drawing board. He has a fantastic talent but there is still work to be done before he can truly start to control the game.