Alcaraz calls marathon Zverev win one of most demanding matches

DOHA: Carlos Alcaraz said his five-set victory over Alexander Zverev in the Australian Open semi-finals was among the most demanding matches of his career, insisting he never once considered quitting despite being hampered by severe cramp.

The world number one appeared on course for a routine win after taking the first two sets, but began struggling to move at 4-4 in the third as cramp seized his right thigh. Alcaraz nevertheless dug deep to prevail 6-4 7-6(5) 6-7(3) 6-7(4) 7-5.

Lasting five hours and 27 minutes, the contest was the longest men’s semi-final in Australian Open history and narrowly short of the five hours and 29 minutes Alcaraz needed to defeat Jannik Sinner in last year’s French Open final.

“I think this was one of the more demanding matches that I have played in my career so far,” Alcaraz said after extending his remarkable record to 60-0 in matches where he has won the opening two sets.

“Physically we pushed each other to the limit … our bodies to the limit. The level of the fifth set was really high. So I’m just really happy to get the win, that I came back. I rank this in the top position of one of the best matches that I have ever won.”

The crowd fell silent at one point early in the fourth set when Alcaraz appeared to move towards the net as if to concede the match, but the Spaniard said retirement never crossed his mind.

“I hate giving up,” he said. “I just don’t want to feel that way. There are moments when it seems like you are giving up or not fighting at all. When I was younger, there were a lot of matches where I didn’t want to fight anymore.

“Then I matured. Just one second more of suffering, one second more of fighting is always worth it. That’s why I fight until the last ball and always believe I can come back in every situation.”