Sports
Alcaraz fights through cramps to reach first Australian Open final
Carlos Alcaraz drew on remarkable physical and mental reserves to beat Alexander Zverev in a gripping five-set battle and book his place in a first Australian Open final.
The world number one triumphed 6-4, 7-6, 6-7, 6-7, 7-5 after five hours and 27 minutes in Melbourne, recovering from severe cramping that threatened to derail his campaign.
Alcaraz had been two sets up before breaking down physically in the third, allowing Zverev to force a deciding set.
Zverev even served for the match at 5-4 in the fifth, but Alcaraz rallied roared on by the crowd, broke back and seized control as the German faltered under pressure.
A missed Zverev backhand finally ended the contest, leaving Alcaraz sprawled on the court in disbelief.
The 22-year-old now stands one win away from history, with victory on Sunday set to make him the youngest man to complete a career Grand Slam.
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