Alcaraz seemed destined for one of the most painful defeats of his career. After winning the first two sets and holding a strong position in the third, he encountered physical issues. The number one seed lost the next two sets, facing the risk of missing his first Australian Open final – the only grand slam he had yet to reach.

Alcaraz celebrates his victory over Zverev in the Australian Open semifinals, on Rod Laver Arena, Melbourne, Australia, on 30/1. Photo: Reuters

Alcaraz won the first set 6-4, capitalizing on Zverev's errors, including two double faults in the decisive game. Alcaraz forced the second set into a tie-break despite trailing 3-5. Zverev played too cautiously in the service game to close the set, allowing his opponent to attack and convert a break point. In the high-pressure tie-break, the world number three made another error at 5-5, handing the set to Alcaraz.

The match seemed headed for an early finish until a turning point arrived at 15-15 in the 11th game of the third set, at which point Alcaraz appeared to be in pain in his right thigh and groin area. Zverev was displeased when chief umpire Marijana Veljovic did not enforce the serve clock against Alcaraz.

"'I have to see if he's okay,' Veljovic replied to Zverev. The German player added, 'He's cramping,' before Veljovic responded, 'But I cannot be sure of that.'"

Alcaraz held his serve with a series of winners, despite being barely able to move. The Spanish player then requested a medical timeout. He received physical therapy and drank pickle juice to alleviate the cramps. Zverev remained upset, as according to the rules, a player is not allowed a medical timeout for cramps alone, without an injury. "'That's ridiculous,' Zverev said angrily."

Former American player Jim Courier expressed sympathy for the German player on Nine Australia television. "'This is a huge injustice. They completely messed this up. That's why Zverev is so furious,' Courier said."

Putting aside his frustration, Zverev still won the third set in a tie-break, 7-6(3), by capitalizing on his opponent's movement difficulties. This marked Alcaraz's first set loss of the tournament.

Alcaraz receives medical attention in the Australian Open semifinals, on Rod Laver Arena, Melbourne, Australia, on 30/1. Photo: Reuters

Subsequently, the number three seed had a significant opportunity to win the fourth set easily, but made numerous unforced errors. Alcaraz began to move normally again towards the end of the set, but he had lost the momentum he had in the first half of the match. In the tie-break, the Spanish player led 3-2, but then lost five consecutive points and fell 3-7.

The cramping issue no longer significantly affected Alcaraz in the deciding set. However, the world number one could not maintain his playing rhythm or accuracy in his shots. He lost his opening service game of the set, forced to chase Zverev.

Alcaraz had a chance to break back in game 6. However, luck was not on his side. A powerful forehand attack hit the net cord and bounced out, causing Alcaraz to miss a break point. Zverev then led 5-4 and served for the match.

At this critical juncture, Alcaraz displayed the resilience of a world number one, winning a crucial return game to level the score at 5-5. The 22-year-old then won two more games, capitalizing on his elder opponent's mental decline. On match point, Alcaraz executed his signature counter-attack, defeating Zverev at the net to complete a spectacular comeback after nearly 5 and a half hours of play.

In his first final in Melbourne, Alcaraz will face one of two formidable opponents: Jannik Sinner or Novak Djokovic.

Vy Anh