Australian Open, Carlos Alcaraz vs Alexander Zverev, Rod Laver Arena. Alcaraz is 5–0 with no sets lost; Zverev is 4–1, dropping sets in four matches. The head-to-head stands at 6–6. A place in the final is at stake.
Carlos Alcaraz Review & Recent Form
Competition situation:
Alcaraz is playing his first Australian Open semi-final and remains on track for a maiden Melbourne final.
Last five matches: W W W W W
The top seed has controlled matches efficiently, breaking early and limiting opponents’ service holds.
Recent match detail:
- vs Alex de Minaur: 3–0
- vs Tommy Paul: 3–0
- vs Corentin Moutet: 3–0
- vs Yannick Hanfmann: 3–0
- vs Adam Walton: 3–0
Alcaraz has conceded fewer than ten games in three of his five matches. Three opening sets at this tournament have exceeded 9.5 games, largely due to high first-serve percentages from both sides before the first break arrives.
Alexander Zverev Review & Recent Form
Competition situation:
Zverev is attempting to reach a second consecutive Australian Open final after finishing runner-up last year.
Last five matches: W W W W L
The German has progressed despite repeated set losses, relying on serving volume and baseline depth to recover momentum.
Recent match detail:
- vs Learner Tien: 3–1
- vs Francisco Cerundolo: 3–0
- vs Cameron Norrie: 3–1
- vs Alexandre Muller: 3–1
- vs Gabriel Diallo: 3–1
Zverev has dropped at least one set in four matches, often starting conservatively on return. His service games have held up early, contributing to extended first sets before breaks emerge later.
Head-to-Head Record
| Date | Competition | Result |
|---|---|---|
| 17/08/2025 | Cincinnati | Alcaraz 2–0 |
| 15/11/2024 | ATP Finals | Zverev 2–0 |
| 09/06/2024 | French Open | Alcaraz 3–2 |
| 15/03/2024 | Indian Wells | Alcaraz 2–0 |
| 24/01/2024 | Australian Open | Zverev 3–1 |
| 13/11/2023 | ATP Finals | Zverev 2–1 |
The series is level at 6–6. On outdoor hard courts, Alcaraz leads 3–2 and has won the last two meetings. The last two head-to-head matches both featured opening sets with at least ten games.
Lineups, Injuries & Suspensions
No injuries or physical concerns have been confirmed for either player ahead of the semi-final.
Odds, Markets & Betting Tips
Alcaraz is priced as a strong favourite, trading between 1.16–1.18, while Zverev is available around 4.60–5.05.
Key markets:
- Match winner: Alcaraz favoured at 1.16–1.18
- Set 1 total games: Over 9.5 games around 1.75–1.85
- Total sets: Over 3.5 sets priced higher due to Alcaraz’s straight-set run
- Games handicap: Zverev +5.5 to +6.5 games
Opening-set markets stand out given both players’ serving stability early in matches and their recent head-to-head patterns.
Where to Watch Online & Kickoff Time
Broadcast and streaming availability depends on region.
Kickoff time: 30/01/2026 (Melbourne session schedule).
Prediction: Carlos Alcaraz vs Alexander Zverev, Australian Open
Alcaraz holds a narrow edge in baseline acceleration and return pressure, but Zverev’s serve has repeatedly delayed early breaks in Melbourne. The main risk to the opening-set angle comes from an unusually fast start by Alcaraz on return.
