Alcaraz: "If Zverev wants to beat me, he will have to sweat a lot"
Spanish challenges Sascha heading into their semifinal duel and will seek to play another Grand Slam final. Happy with his current level in Australia.
Carlos Alcaraz broke through his ceiling at the Australian Open, achieving a tremendous victory against a Alex de Miñaur who could only endure one set against the blows and intensity of the Murcian. At this level, Carlitos is almost untouchable. Perhaps, only a few can challenge him. Among those few who can defeat him is Alexander Zverev, who will be his next opponent in Australia.
The Murcian is aiming to become the youngest player in history to win all four Grand Slams and is now just two steps away from achieving it. To reach Sunday's final, he will first have to defeat Sascha, who defeated him here two years ago. He now has two days off since he won't have to take to the court until Friday, allowing him to relax and recharge for what lies ahead in the final stages of the first Grand Slam of the season.
During a press conference, Alcaraz reflects on his journey to the Australian Open semis
Where do you think you were playing better, here or at the US Open
Today, I played the best match of the tournament so far. I could say that the level at the US Open is higher than the level I'm playing with now, but it's pretty close. Yes, I think it's pretty close. We can discuss it. I let people talk about it and say which is the best level, whether the US Open's or this one. I would say that with the level I served, the way I did everything, you know, in New York, for me, I think it was unattainable, I guess, but I'm just happy. I'm proud of how I'm playing here.
Training with Zverev before the tournament
We played a training set, and it was of very high intensity. It ended 7-6. I've watched his matches in the tournament, and the level he has played with so far has been impressive, so it's going to be a great battle. I know he's serving very well. He's playing really solidly and aggressively when he can from the baseline. I'll be ready, for sure. I'm excited to play against him here at the Australian Open in the semifinals. So, I know what I have to do. I'll be well prepared for that match, and yes, if he wants to beat me, he's going to have to work hard (smiling).
Grade for reaching these semis in Australia
I'd give myself an 8.5.
How will you relax on these two upcoming rest days
Obviously, golf is always on the list. I'd like to go for a walk somewhere peaceful, with my team, my people. I was watching Stranger Things, which I was hooked on, but I haven't had time here because we've been playing some games. We always have something, like playing online with my friends. We always make good use of our free time and have fun. Overall, we make very good use of our time to enjoy it.
Fatigue from the first set
I know Alex's physical level, and it didn't seem to me that he was at his limit. He wasn't going to fall physically or mentally. I tried to win it, but I had some ups and downs. I lost the feeling a bit, but I knew that even if I lost that set, the match was going to be long.
Relief from reaching the semis
Not too much. I've learned to try not to listen, to follow the path we believe is right. Above all, to stick to what we do. That's what we did well, even if we had lost in the first or second round; we had a clear goal to pursue. It wouldn't have been a failure but a learning experience. I'm in the semis. It's not a relief, and I haven't removed any pressure because throughout the tournament, I've been playing for myself or my family, not for what others might say whether I advance to the next round or not.
This is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, Alcaraz: "Si Zverev quiere ganarme va a tener que sudar mucho"