“If he wants to beat me, he has to sweat a lot” : Carlos Alcaraz vows to take revenge on Alexander Zverev in semifinals of 2026 Australian Open
Carlos Alcaraz stormed into the semifinals of the 2026 Australian Open with a straight sets victory over Alex de Minaur. The Spaniard won7-5, 6-2, 6-1 to enter his first ever Australian Open semifinals, where he will face the third seed and last year’s runner-up Alexander Zverev.
The Australian Open has not been a happy hunting ground for Carlos Alcaraz, as he has been knocked out in the quarterfinals in the last two occasions. He was defeated by Alexander Zverev in the quarterfinals two years ago in Melbourne, and vows to take revenge on the German.
The Spaniard stated that he had played a practice set with Alexander Zverev in Melbourne, which went on for 90 minutes. He jokingly stated that if Zverev has to progress into the finals, then he has to sweat a lot and work tirelessly.
“I just got a practice with him, which the level was really, really high, 7-6 [to Zverev], probably one hour, 30 [minutes], so was a high level of tennis, high level of intensity,” Alcaraz said in his press conference. “I’ve watched his matches through the tournament, it was impressive the level he’s been playing so far. I will be ready, for sure.”
“I’m excited about playing him here in AO in a semi-final. So I know what I have to do. I will be well prepared for that match. And yeah, if he wants to beat me, he has to sweat a lot (smiles).”
Carlos Alcaraz wary of Zverev threat but looks forward to the battle
Carlos Alcaraz stated that he has followed Alexander Zverev throughout the tournament, and applauded the German’s consistency and aggressiveness. He also stated that Zverev was serving really well, and he needs to be extremely well-prepared for the battle.
The Spaniard also stated that he needs to increase his level, and hopes to take revenge on the German. This will be their first Grand Slam meeting since Alcaraz defeated Zverev in the finals of the French Open in 2024in what was a five-set thriller.
“Well, I think increase my level. I’ve seen Sascha through the whole tournament and I know he’s playing a great tennis. Really solid, aggressively. I think he’s serving pretty well as well. So I have to be ready. We’ve gotta be ready, not only me but all my team as well. We have to play tactically really, really well, so it’s gonna be a great battle. I’m really looking forward to playing him again here, taking the revenge. So it’s gonna be great. Can’t wait for that,” said Alcaraz.
