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
*Denotes server
| Set 1 | Set 2 | Set 3 | |
| [1] Carlos Alcaraz (ESP)* | 5 | ||
| [3] Alexander Zverev (GER) | 4 |
Carlos Alcaraz vs. Alexander Zverev updates, highlights and commentary
*Denotes server
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.
