Carlos Alcaraz Reflects on His Semifinal Victory at the Australian Open

Published on January 30, 2026 | Translated from Spanish
Carlos Alcaraz celebrates a point during his 2026 Australian Open semifinal match against Alexander Zverev on Rod Laver Arena.

Carlos Alcaraz values his semifinal victory at the Australian Open

Spanish tennis player Carlos Alcaraz has described his advancement to the final of the year's first Grand Slam as one of the most outstanding achievements in his record. After a marathon duel of nearly five and a half hours against Alexander Zverev, the young champion highlights the value of every moment of effort on the court. 🎾

An extreme physical and mental battle

Alcaraz acknowledged that in earlier stages of his career he might have faltered, but now his mentality is to fight relentlessly. This attitude was key to overcoming a match where the wear and tear was maximum, facing cramps and intense discomfort without considering the option of retiring. The Spaniard and Zverev pushed each other to the last limit.

Details of the physical wear:
  • He felt pain in his right adductor that later led to generalized cramps.
  • The discomfort was so acute that he vomited during the match.
  • He assures that the idea of retiring never crossed his mind, despite the suffering.
"Every second you suffer on the court is completely worth it," Alcaraz stated after his victory.

The clear goal: the Career Grand Slam

Beyond the immediate exhaustion, Alcaraz has a very defined long-term goal. He prefers to focus on being the youngest tennis player to achieve the Career Grand Slam – winning the four major tournaments – rather than accumulating the remaining three in a single season. This statement marks a strategic priority in his career.

Post-match reflections:
  • He notes that after such an effort, the body is exhausted and needs to recover.
  • His immediate plan was to rest after a bath to try to sleep.
  • He emphasizes that, after a battle like that, what is most desired is a good rest, even above the trophy.

A victory to remember

The semifinal victory at the Australian Open is not only a ticket to the final, but a testament to Alcaraz's mental evolution and physical resilience. He demonstrated that he can win when not at his best, overcoming adversities that would have defeated many. His gaze is already set on the next challenge and that great legendary goal he pursues. 💪