Carlos Alcaraz vs Alexander Zverev Preview & Prediction | 2026 Australian Open | Semi-Final
Click here for today’s sports betting tips from our expert analysts!
Carlos Alcaraz faces Alexander Zverev at the 2026 Australian Open.
Start date/time:
Venue: Melbourne Park, Melbourne, Australia
Surface: Outdoor hard
How to watch on TV: UK – TNT Sports / USA – ESPN
How to watch online: UK – discovery+ / USA – ESPN+ & Tennis Channel
Tickets: Visit this link for the latest Carlos Alcaraz vs Alexander Zverev ticket information
Carlos Alcaraz vs Alexander Zverev prediction
Carlos Alcaraz has stoked the fires ahead of his blockbuster semi-final with Alexander Zverev by claiming he will be looking forward to taking revenge at the Australian Open.
The Spaniard lost in four sets to the German when they locked horns in the quarter-finals at Melbourne Park back in 2024 and the 22-year-old clearly hasn’t forgotten the chastening experience heading into what will be their 13th meeting overall.
Alcaraz has been irresistible since the start of this year’s tournament. The six-time Grand Slam champion is still to drop a set after reaching the semi-finals Down Under for the first time courtesy of a rampant 7-5 6-2 6-1 win over home hope Alex de Minaur.
Zverev has also impressed on his latest run in the first major of the season, hitting 24 aces and 56 winners overall in a 6-3 6-7 6-1 7-6 triumph over a lively Learner Tien. As a result, the German is into his third semi-final at the Australian Open on the spin and will make a landmark 10th appearance in the last four at a Grand Slam.
If form and pedigree aren’t enough to show this is going to be a real battle, then their head-to-head certainly does.
The match-up is tied at 6-6 with Alcaraz winning three of the last four since that loss at Rod Laver Arena two years ago.
Zverev leads 5-3 on hardcourts, although Alcaraz is 3-2 up in outdoor matches on the surface, with honours even at two apiece in Grand Slam encounters.
The next consideration is motivation and it's evident that is extremely high for both players too.
Zverev very much feels he has unfinished business having had to settle for the runner-up spot in Melbourne 12 months ago and coming up short in all three of his appearances in Grand Slam finals. The third seed, who has been criticised for being too passive in big moments in the past, will be desperate to earn another chance here. If he maintains his new-found proactive, aggressive approach and continues to serve at the halcyon levels he has so far at the event, he will have a good chance of the upset.
Alcaraz is also locked in as he looks to clinch the one major title that has so far proved elusive. The world number one is bidding to become the youngest man to complete the Career Grand Slam and is quietly intent on proving he is still the same formidable force without ex-coach Juan Carlos Ferrero.
It all makes for what may well be an epic battle. It’s always hard to back against Alcaraz but this is a tighter call than some casual observers may suggest and there is mileage in looking at this going the distance or certainly clocking up a high number of games.
Carlos Alcaraz vs Alexander Zverev tip: Over 38.5 games
