By Leobert Julian A. de la Peña
World no. 6 male tennis player Alexander Zverev just took down one of the biggest stars in the ongoing Australian Open Grand Slam tournament last January 24, 2024, held at the Rod Laver Arena in Melbourne.
After almost four hours of intense tennis action, Zverev completed the upset on world no. 2 ranked Carlos Alcaraz- 6.1, 6.3, 6.7, 6.4- to clinch a semifinal round ticket.
Entering the matchup as the clear underdog, Zverev just pulled off a shocker in front of Alcaraz’s fans who traveled to Australia to watch the young Spaniard work on his quest for a third Grand Slam title.
However, that mission was dumped by Zverev as the German heavy-hitter gave Alcaraz the business in just four sets.
Zverev’s efficient shot-making and court decisions propelled him to a quick 2-0 lead. What’s more impressive was how he negated Alcaraz’s drop shots that used to fall at will during the first four rounds.
Unfortunately for Alcaraz, he wasn’t as crisp as his previous performances after committing tons of unforced errors which allowed Zverev to dominate the first two sets.
Zverev was close to sweeping Alcaraz in the third after holding a 5-3 lead but the resilient Spaniard clawed his way back after scoring a break-point that changed the complexion of the match.
Alcaraz kicked off the final set with his usual aggressiveness in the baseline but Zverev countered back with his tremendous backhand defense.
With the match deadlocked at 4-all, Zverev gave Alcaraz a dose of his own medicine after breaking his service possession to cruise to the huge quarterfinal victory.
“It’s a great honor to play against guys like him and then when you’re so close to winning, obviously, your brain starts going and it’s not always helpful, but I’m happy I got through in the end. I think I fought back quite well in the fourth set, didn’t let go and I’m very happy that I finished the match,” said Zverev after the win.
With the quarterfinal victory, Zverev will be setting up a highly-anticipated semifinal duel against Daniil Medvedev today, at 4:30 PM.
