By Miguel Mike Medina
Photo Credit: AP Photo/Asanka Brendon Ratnayake
Carlos Alcaraz outlasted Alexander Zverev in an intense semifinal battle that lasted five and a half hours. Alcaraz won 3 of the 5 matches: 6-4, 7-6 (5), 6-7 (3), 6-7 (4), 7-5.
Alcaraz and Zverev’s match will go down in history as a clash of two great competitors. Two warriors gave it all they had. They pushed each other and brought out the best in each other. Carlos showed in this match that he’s tougher than most people think. He had endured cramps and wasn’t feeling 100 percent before his match against Sascha.
It’s the longest tennis match since 2009, when Rafael Nadal and Fernando Verdasco battled it out. People are wondering how Alcaraz was able to pull this off. What was the secret to prevailing in this match?
“Believe all the time,” Alcaraz said after the match. “I always say you have to believe in yourself, no matter what. No matter what you’re struggling with, what you’ve been through. I was struggling in the middle of the third set. Physically, it was one of the most demanding matches that I have ever played in my short career, I would say. I’ve been in this kind of situation. I’ve been in this kind of match before, so I knew what I had to do: I had to put my heart into the match.”
At one point in the match, Alcaraz received medical treatment for his right leg.
Alcaraz fought till the end. He had an outstanding fifth set and came out victorious. On Sunday night, he will be playing in his first Australian Open title. Alcaraz is attempting to become the youngest player ever to win all four majors, a career grand slam.
The 22-year-old is on a fantastic run. Alcaraz is a charismatic ambassador of the sport of Tennis. He took the time to show his gratitude to the fans.
“It’s been a real pleasure to play for all of you,” Alcaraz said, addressing the crowd. “The way you push me back, into the match. The way you push me, every ball, every point. I’m really grateful for the sport. Sunday is going to be a great atmosphere.”
Alcaraz will face a familiar face in Novak Djokovic, who shocked everyone by defeating Jannik Sinner in the semi-final. Djokovic is 40 years old. Alcaraz and Djokovic will definitely put on a show once again.
Sinner and Djokovic always give outstanding performances against Alcaraz, but this time it will be Novak, a 10-time Australian Open winner.
Miguel Mike Medina is the publisher of The MMM Journal. He can be reached at medinamiguelmike@gmail.com and themmmjournal@gmail.com
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