Australian Open 2024: Zverev stuns Alcaraz to reach semi-final; Yastremska, Zheng win

Alexander Zverev beat Carlos Alcaraz to set up a semi-final clash against Daniil Medvedev.

Jan 24, 2024 - 23:30
Australian Open 2024: Zverev stuns Alcaraz to reach semi-final; Yastremska, Zheng win

Alexander Zverev snuffed out a thrilling Carlos Alcaraz comeback early Thursday to set up an Australian Open semi-final against Daniil Medvedev as Ukrainian qualifier Dayana Yastremska's dream run continued in Melbourne.

The big-serving German recovered from a major wobble to win 6-1, 6-3, 6-7 (2/7), 6-4 in just over three hours, crushing Alcaraz's hopes of a third Grand Slam.

Zverev broke at his first opportunity on Rod Laver Arena, dominating the charismatic Spaniard, who could find no answer to his opponent's power and precision.

The sixth seed served for victory at 5-3 in the third set but the Spaniard somehow broke his opponent and produced some outrageous shots in the tie-break as the crowd erupted.

The pair swapped breaks at the beginning of the fourth set but Zverev earned a crucial breakthrough in the ninth game and served it out to reach the semis at Melbourne Park for the second time.

Former US Open runner-up Zverev, who reached the semi-finals in Melbourne in 2020, landed 85 percent of his first serves and won 73 percent of points behind his first delivery.

"I was playing one of the best players in the world. Over the past two years he has been number one or number two constantly," said the 26-year-old.

"He's won two Grand Slams,...

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