Carlos Alcaraz vs. Alexander Zverev LIVE: Score, commentary, highlights from Australian Open semi-final

Carlos Alcaraz vs. Alexander Zverev LIVE: Score, commentary, highlights from Australian Open semi-final originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

Carlos Alcaraz is aiming for a shot at being the youngest player to win a career grand slam - but Alexander Zverev stands in his way in the Australian Open semi-final.

The world no.1 has won six majors - but had never been past the quarter-finals in Melbourne before - until now.

Zverev is bidding for a spot in his fourth major final after being losing Australian Open finalist to Jannik Sinner last year.

Will Alcaraz continue the extraordinary form that has seen him yet to drop a set?

The Sporting News is following the Carlos Alcaraz vs. Alexander Zverev match live, providing score updates and commentary as it happens.

MORE: Australian Open LIVE: Schedule, results, scores, updates for AO tennis 2026

Carlos Alcaraz vs. Alexander Zverev live score - Australian Open semi-final

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Carlos Alcaraz vs. Alexander Zverev updates, highlights and commentary

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Alcaraz 6-4 7-6(5) 6-7(2) 6-7(4) 3-5 Zverev*

Here we go. Alcaraz gets to 0-30 with two excellent returns. Zverev pulls one point back. Alcaraz gets a look at a second serve but he can't get in the point and Zverev hits a winner 30-30. A backhand winner and it's game point for Zverev. But we go to deuce. This game could decide the match. Another break point for Alcaraz as he comes to the net. Can he take this one? He can't. Alcaraz hits the backhand into the net. Back to deuce. But  ANOTHER break point for Alcaraz as Zverev can't get the pass. A wild Alcaraz forehand misses by a mile. So many chances. Deuce. Zverev with the AD now. Poor drop shot by Alcaraz. Zverev holds and that could be the crucial game.

Alcaraz* 6-4 7-6(5) 6-7(2) 6-7(4) 3-4 Zverev

Alcatraz gets the first two points. 30-0. A forehand winner from Alcaraz makes it 40-0. Zverev pulls a point back with his own winner direct from the return. Alcaraz holds.

Alcaraz 6-4 7-6(5) 6-7(2) 6-7(4) 2-4 Zverev*

Zverev is looking so solid here. He is moving Alcaraz around. 30-0. The world no.1 lifts to hit a big forehand winner after an excellent return. Wow. 30-30. The best shot of the tournament by Alcaraz. Now he has break back point with another winner. Can he get the break? No. Alcaraz's forehand clips the net cord and goes long. Deuce. Huge rally - Zverev crushes a winner. Gets the AD. Zverev holds. Huge. Saves a break point. Alcaraz might not have any more chances.

Alcaraz* 6-4 7-6(5) 6-7(2) 6-7(4) 2-3 Zverev

First two points are shared. Zverev hits a forehand winner pass. Incredible shot. 15-30. Pressure for Alcatraz. Zverev nets the forehand - 30-30. Alcaraz pounds Zverev's backhand corner and earns game point. But he can't convert and it's deuce. Alcaraz clubs a backhand winner off the line. However, an unforced error means it is back to 40-40. Alcaraz lasers a forehand down the line to get AD. And then holds to stay in the match.

Alcaraz 6-4 7-6(5) 6-7(2) 6-7(4) 1-3 Zverev*

Zverev looks like he is in the zone now. Hits a backhand winner. The hits the line with a backhand and forces the error from Alcaraz. He gets to 40-0 with an unreturned serve. Wow. He doesn't convert any of his game points and we are at deuce. Alcaraz hits a forehand winner and he has break back point. This game is incredible. War of attrition. Zverev saves it. Huge. Deuce. Zverev gets the advantage with a wild swipe from Alcaraz at the serve. Long rally and we are back at deuce with Zverev making the unforced error. Zverev misses the volley at the net. Another break point Alcaraz. Zverev's serve gets him out of trouble once again as Alcaraz nets the return. Zverev earns the game point with another unreturned serve. And he holds. That could huge in the context of this match. Saved two break points.

Alcaraz* 6-4 7-6(5) 6-7(2) 6-7(4) 1-2 Zverev

First point to Alcaraz and second with an ace. 30-0. Zverev hits a clean drop shot winner. 30-15. Another two unforced errors from Zverev and Alcaraz holds. Can he get back in this?

Alcaraz 6-4 7-6(5) 6-7(2) 6-7(4) 0-2 Zverev*

Zverev putting the foot down here. Gets to 30-0 quickly. Zverev hits an unforced error to give Alcaraz a foothold. But two winners from Zverev and it's a hold.

BREAK ZVEREV - Alcaraz* 6-4 7-6(5) 6-7(2) 6-7(4) 0-1 Zverev

Alcaraz wins the first two points. Moving Zverev all over the court. Zverev defends well and wins the point. 30-15. An unforced error from Carlos into the net and it's 30-30. Electric tennis sees Alcaraz hits a winner. 40-30. An unforced error from Alcaraz and it is deuce. AD for Zverev after another unforced error from Alcaraz. Double fault for Alcaraz and it's the break to Zverev.

TIEBREAK, FOURTH SET ZVEREV - Alcaraz 6-4 7-6(5) 6-7(2) 6-7(4) Zverev

Mini-break for Zverev. 2-1 up with two serves to come. An excellent volley at the net. Now Alcaraz up the mini-break. 3-2. Two consecutive points for Alcaraz on Zverev serve. Change of ends. 3-3. Still on serve 5-4. Zverev has two set points. He gets it on the first. We are going five sets.

Alcaraz* 6-4 7-6(5) 6-7(2) 6-6 Zverev

First point to Alcaraz with an excellent serve. Repeat with the second point. An ace brings up 40-0. Easy hold. Tiebreak coming up.

Alcaraz 6-4 7-6(5) 6-7(2) 5-6 Zverev*

Zverev races to 30-0 but an Alcaraz winner gets one point back. The Spaniard hits the net with a drop shot. 40-15 to Zverev. The German holds.

Alcaraz* 6-4 7-6(5) 6-7(2) 5-5 Zverev

Double fault for Alcatraz. He needs to hold to stay in the set. 0-30 as Alcaraz hits long. This could be the set if Alcatraz doesn't lift here. He pulls one point back. An unforced error from Zverev makes it 30-30. Alcaraz clutch at the moment. He hits a forehand winner to get game point. Wow. From 0-30 down he holds. 

Alcaraz 6-4 7-6(5) 6-7(2) 4-5 Zverev*

Alcaraz is moving better but still not 100 per cent. Zverev profits from two errors, delivers an ace. 40-0. He holds with another ace.

Alcaraz* 6-4 7-6(5) 6-7(2) 4-4 Zverev

Two unforced errors for Alcaraz gives Zverev the 0-30 on the world no.1's serve. But Zverev throws in two unforced errors of his own. 30-30. Two winners for Alcaraz and he holds.

Alcaraz 6-4 7-6(5) 6-7(2) 3-4 Zverev*

Alcaraz bunts long. 15-0. The German crunches a forehand winner at the net. 30-0. Alcaraz gets one point back but just misses the backhand drive down the line. Zverev eventually holds.

Alcaraz* 6-4 7-6(5) 6-7(2) 3-3 Zverev

Zverev bunts the return wide. Alcaraz seems to slowly regaining better movement. He drives a forehand into the net. 15-15. Doesn't move at 100 per cent to a forehand though and flings it wide. 15-30. Another unforced error sets up two break points for Zverev. Alcaraz digs in deep and saves both - one with an ace and another with a forehand winner. Alcaraz lifting. He gets to advantage first. Holds serve.

Alcaraz 6-4 7-6(5) 6-7(2) 2-3 Zverev*

Alcaraz creams a winner straight off Zverev's serve. But the German serves big to make it 15-15. Zverev hits an ace. Alcaraz forehand winner. 30-30. Big point here. Zverev gets to 40 first with the Spaniard missing an easy forehand. Alcaraz moving better but still not at 100 per cent. Zverev holds.

Alcaraz* 6-4 7-6(5) 6-7(2) 2-2 Zverev

Points are shared to open the game. An unreturned serve sees Alcaraz get to 30-15. Double fault for Alcaraz and it's 30-30. Pressure point. Alcaraz wins it with a drop volley and seals the hold.

Alcaraz 6-4 7-6(5) 6-7(2) 1-2 Zverev*

The points are shared to start the game. 15-15. Zverev puts away the volley at the net. But Alcaraz gets to 30-30, forcing Zverev to make a forehand error. Zverev gets the hold and keeps his nose in front of this set.

Alcaraz* 6-4 7-6(5) 6-7(2) 1-1 Zverev

Zverev gets to 0-30 quickly. Alcaraz looks cooked still. However, he gets back to 30-30 via two errors from Zverev. Alcaraz gets a game point but a winner to Zverev sends it to deuce. An unreturned serve earns Alcaraz an AD. 

Alcaraz 6-4 7-6(5) 6-7(2) 0-1 Zverev*

Alcaraz looks to be moving a little better but Zverev still gets to 40-0.  Another ace seals the game.

TIEBREAK, THIRD SET ZVEREV - Alcaraz 6-4 7-6(5) 6-7(2) Zverev

On serve at 2-1. Zverev up. 3-2. Zverev takes the mini break here. Alcatraz is still not moving great. An unforced error make it 4-2 to Zverev at change of ends.. Zverev is closing in on this set. 5-2. Alcaraz is barely moving. Zverev gets the set with an ace.

Alcaraz 6-4 7-6(5) 6-5 Zverev*

Double fault gives Alcaraz the first point. Is Zverev crumbling here? Alcaraz hits a forehand winner from Zverev's smash. 0-30. Wow. Two points from the match. Zverev hits an ace. Gets one point back. And another for the German. It's 30-30. Huge point here. Zverev advances to 40 first. Game. Tie break coming

Alcaraz* 6-4 7-6(5) 6-5 Zverev

Alcaraz is free swinging. He still isn't moving well. Gets to 40-15. He holds. Not sure what to make of this.

Alcaraz 6-4 7-6(5) 5-5 Zverev*

Alcaraz not moving great. First point Zverev. Another point to Zverev via an Alcaraz error. World no.1 clubs a forehand return winner. Zverev nets. 30-30. Alcaraz two points from the match. Zverev closes it out. Alcaraz not moving great. He is in trouble.

Medical timeout for Carlos Alcaraz

Alcaraz is one game away but looks to have an adductor issue. Zverev thinks it is cramp and is livid there is a medical timeout. It's all happening.

Alcaraz* 6-4 7-6(5) 5-4 Zverev

Points are a lot shorter now with the heat affecting both players. Zverev reaches the drop shot and flips the winner. Alcaraz looks hurt. Wow. 15-30. Alcaraz somehow wins the game despite cramp. We will see what happens now.

Alcaraz 6-4 7-6(5) 4-4 Zverev*

Zverev looking for a comfortable hold - he gets to 40-15 courtesy of an Alcaraz drop shot falling short. An unforced error from Zverev and it's 40-30. The whole court was open and he netted. An ace for Zverev secures the hold.

Alcaraz* 6-4 7-6(5) 4-3 Zverev

Ace for Alcaraz. How many times has he started a service game with one? Magnificent running pass by Zverev. What a shot. Can that fire him up? He gets to 15-30 with Alcaraz making a mistake. Zverev makes an unforced error on the backhand side. 30-30. Alcaraz gets to 40 with an ace and the holds his serve. Was slightly hairy at 15-30 but comes through.

Alcaraz 6-4 7-6(5) 3-3 Zverev*

Will Alcaraz make a move? He wins the first point as Zverev doesn't hit a smash hard enough. The German strikes back with the next two points to get his nose in front. Zverev attacks Alcaraz's backhand. 40-15. An ace seals the game.

Alcaraz* 6-4 7-6(5) 3-2 Zverev

Alcaraz's turn to race through a service game. Two aces. Two forehand winners. Game.

Alcaraz 6-4 7-6(5) 2-2 Zverev*

Three forehand winners for Zverev takes him to 40-0. And he holds to love.

Alcaraz* 6-4 7-6(5) 2-1 Zverev

An ace for Alcaraz opens the game. Zverev tries the winner down the line but misses well wide. Alcaraz races through the set to love.

Alcaraz 6-4 7-6(5) 1-1 Zverev*

30-0 for Zverev. Alcaraz just whipped the forehand wide. Zverev chips the shot wide. Gives Alcaraz a sniff. But the serve winner combo gets Zverev to 40-15. Zverev chooses not to make the smash and Alcaraz wins the point somehow. Could be a huge point. 40-30. Zverev doesn't let his mistake haunts himself and holds.

Alcaraz* 6-4 7-6(5) 1-0 Zverev

Alcaraz might be a little flat after winning that set. He loses the first two points on serve. 0-30. Zverev returns long twice. 30-30. Early break point for Zverev after a nice backhand down the line forces the error. But the Spaniard uses the drop shot to bring Zverev in and then passes him. Deuce. Alcaraz attacks and gets the AD. An ace seals the hold. Break point saved too.

TIEBREAK, SECOND SET ALCARAZ - Alcaraz 6-4 7-6(5) Zverev

On serve through the first three points. We remain on serve after Zverev's two deliveries. He leads 3-2. Alcaraz wins both points on serve. He leads 4-3. Every point has been won by the server. 5-4 to Zverev - Alcaraz to serve. On serve but Alcaraz has the first set point. And the world no.1 steps to win the set on his first set point. One point was all the difference.

Alcaraz* 6-4 6-6 Zverev

Alcaraz whips a backhand winner off the line. He wins the next two points and wraps the game up to love with a second serve ace. Tiebreak here we come.

Alcaraz 6-4 5-6 Zverev*

Alcaraz steamrolls himself to 15-40 and has two break points. Zverev manages to save both - the second with a service winner. On his second game point via deuce, Zverev holds with a forehand winner. He earns at least a tiebreak.

Alcaraz* 6-4 5-5 Zverev

Alcaraz has a small hiccup with an unforced error but he secures the hold to 15. He was down 5-2 in this set. It's now 5-5.

BREAK ALCARAZ - Alcaraz 6-4 4-5 Zverev*

0-15 to start as Zverev nets after being pushed deep by Alcaraz. Here he comes. Zverev frames the forehand long. 0-30. The German gets one point back. Wow two break back points for Alcaraz. 15-40. Zverev fights off one of them. But not the second. Back on serve here.

Alcaraz* 6-4 3-5 Zverev

Alcaraz moves to 30-0 and looks like making Zverev serve it out but errors from the Spaniard and it's 30-30. Alcaraz advances to 40 first with Zverev bunting the second serve long. Alcaraz holds with a forehand volley winner.

Alcaraz 6-4 2-5 Zverev*

An ace gets the first point for Zverev but Carlos strikes back to make it 15-15. We end up at 30-30 once again. This is likely Alcaraz's one chance to strike back. Zverev comes to the net, makes the forehand volley. Gets a game point. Alcaraz hits the ball long and the German is close to this set.

BREAK ZVEREV - Alcaraz* 6-4 2-4 Zverev

Zverev gets the first point with an Alcaraz forced error. An unforced error creates a 0-30 on Alcaraz serve. Big chance for Zverev. Wow. 0-40. Three break points. Alcaraz saves one with a forehand winner. Another saved. Alcaraz hits the forehand smash. Zverev needs to attack. One more break point to come. Wow. Zverev snares the break with Alcaraz hitting long.

Alcaraz 6-4 2-3 Zverev*

Incredible hustle from Alcaraz but Zverev eventually hits the winner. Alcaraz hits a return winner. 15-15. The world no.1 gets a look at a second serve but he drives it into the net. 30-15. With an ace, Zverev holds. 

Alcaraz* 6-4 2-2 Zverev

Alcaraz wins a point at the net he shouldn't have won. A double fault makes it 15-15.The Spaniard races to 40-15. Alcaraz misses one chance to hold but grabs the second with a forehand winner.

Alcaraz 6-4 1-2 Zverev*

Zverev commands the net and wins the first point. Unreturned serve makes it 30-0. Alcaraz pulls a point back but a service winner from Zverev makes it 40-15. The German holds with a forehand winner. Much more comfortable than his last serve.

Alcaraz* 6-4 1-1 Zverev

More straightforward service game for Alcaraz. With his serve going well, Alcaraz gets to 40-15. Zverev hits a magnificent forehand pass to make it 40-30. Wow. The world no.1 makes an unforced error and the comfortable service game is now complicated at deuce. Alcaraz holds with the first AD however.

Alcaraz 6-4 0-1 Zverev*

Zverev hoping to negotiate his first service game in the second set finds himself at 30-30 again. Alcaraz did the damage at the net. Another break point coming as Alcaraz forces Zverev to hit long. Zverev saves the break point as Alcaraz lobs well long. Deuce. Zverev double fault sends the game back to deuce. Zverev looks rattled, A third deuce occurs. We are now at deuce five. All game points to Zverev. On his fifth game point, Zverev holds.

FIRST SET ALCARAZ - Alcaraz* 6-4 Zverev

Alcaraz clinically serves out the set. It was an even set but Alcaraz gets his nose in front when it matters.

BREAK ALCARAZ - Alcaraz 5-4 Zverev*

Zverev's turn to start his service game with a double fault. Alcaraz gets a look at a second serve but can't profit. 15-15. Alcaraz is a little frustrated as it ends up being 30-15. Zverev slices long and it's 30-30. Pressure point time. Zverev makes a backhand unforced error and it's a second break point for Alcaraz. Zverev cracks - a double fault gives Alcaraz the break. World no.1 to serve for the set.

Alcaraz* 4-4 Zverev

Alcaraz double fault gives Zverev an early sniff. The German once again can't get to 0-30 as he makes an unforced error. 15-15. Alcaraz races through the game and holds without losing another point.

Alcaraz 3-4 Zverev*

Despite Zverev hitting an ace to go 30-0 up, the German makes two backhand unforced errors and it's 30-30. Pressure point coming. Alcaraz hits a magnificent backhand pass to set up a first break point. Zverev saves it with an unreturned serve. Deuce. Zverev holds with an ace and a Alcaraz unforced error.

Alcaraz* 3-3 Zverev

Zverev goes toe-to-toe with Alcaraz and the world no.1 hits an unforced error. 0-15. Zverev gets an opportunity to pass Alcaraz but he nets. 15-15. An ace from Alcaraz out wide. 30-15. Small missed chance for Zverev to go 0-30 and Alcaraz holds.

Alcaraz 2-3 Zverev*

Zverev's serves and volleys on the second serve, Alcaraz hits long. 30-0. An unreturned serve sets up game point. Zverez holds comfortably once again.

Alcaraz* 2-2 Zverev

Both players look to be racing through their service games. Alcaraz gets to 30-0 quickly. Zverev snares a foothold in the game by forcing Carlos to hit long. But the world no.1 delivers a backhand winner down the line. 40-15. Alcaraz holds.

Alcaraz 1-2 Zverev*

Nice and easy hold to love for Zverev. Been a good start for him. Doesn't look like being overwhelmed.

Alcaraz* 1-1 Zverev

Alcaraz delivers an ace to commence his service game. Zverev bunts the return long and it's 30-0. Zverev nets the backhand. 40-0. One point is given to Zverev with a long forehand. And it's 40-30 after another long forehand from Carlos. An ace from Alcaraz closes out the game.

Alcaraz 0-1 Zverev*

Zverev makes an unforced error to make his opening service 15-15. But the German serves well. A nice backhand winner sets up game point. Zverev flings a backhand wide. 40-30. Alcaraz sprays a forehand wide, Zverev holds.

Zverev to serve - Match start

2:42 PM: Alcaraz and Zverev are warming up - starting shortly.

2:40 PM: Players are making their way out to court for the warm-up now.

2:36 PM: Alcaraz and Zverev are 6-6 in meetings. Zverev has won their only meeting at AO - in the 2024 quarters. Alcaraz fought back from two sets to one down to defeat Zverev in the French Open 2024 final.

2:35 PM: Players still aren't on court yet but can't be too far away

2:05 PM: The match is set to begin approximately 2:40 PM.

2:00 PM (local time): Welcome to Rod Laver Arena for today's semi-final match between Carlos Alcaraz and Alexander Zverev.

How to watch the Australian Open: TV channel, free-to-air guide in Australia

The Nine Network is the free-to-air home of the Australian Open in 2026.

All key matches will be broadcast free on TV across the Channel 9 and 9Gem channels.

Broadcast schedules will be determined on a daily basis but matches involving Australians and other notable players will typically receive free-to-air priority.

Channel 9 will serve as the main broadcast channel with 9Gem also providing day-long coverage.

Australian Open live stream: How to watch online in Australia 

Aussie fans can stream this year’s Australian Open on subscription service Stan Sport.

In 2026 every match will be streamed live and on demand in 4K, making it the perfect choice for dedicated tennis fans who want uninterrupted coverage.

Stan Sport will also feature tournament shoulder programming including the magazine-style show Grand Slam Daily streaming every morning.