The 2026 Australian Open has reached a thrilling crescendo, marked by the rare occurrence of the top four seeds advancing to the men's singles semifinals. This is only the fifth time in the Open Era that the top 4 seeds have reached this stage. The stage is set for captivating clashes with significant history at stake. The winners will take home AUD $4.15 million, up 19% from last year. The total prize pool for the tournament is AUD $111.5 million, a 16% increase from 2025.
Alcaraz vs. Zverev: A Battle of Equals with Grand Slam Aspirations
World No. 1 Carlos Alcaraz will face off against No. 3 Alexander Zverev in a highly anticipated semifinal match. This marks Alcaraz's finest showing at the Australian Open to date, as he is chasing his first Australian Open title to complete a career Grand Slam. At just 22 years old, Alcaraz is already aiming to become the 12th man in the Open Era to reach the final at all four Grand Slams. Until this stage, Alcaraz is the only man in the final four who has not dropped a set.
Zverev, the world No.3, is also seeking his first Grand Slam title, with three major final defeats continuing to fuel his ambition. He was the runner-up at the 2025 Australian Open, where he lost to Sinner. Entering his 10th Grand Slam semi-final and third consecutive at the Australian Open, Zverev defeated Learner Tien in the quarterfinal.
The head-to-head record between Alcaraz and Zverev is currently tied at 6-6. In their four previous Grand Slam encounters, they are tied 2-2. Zverev defeated Alcaraz in the 2024 Australian Open quarter-finals. Alcaraz has expressed his eagerness for revenge. According to Alcaraz, he and Zverev had a high level practice session the week before the tournament, which Zverev won 7-6.
A key factor for Alcaraz will be neutralizing Zverev's serve by getting more returns into play. Zverev will aim to attack Alcaraz's second serve. Alcaraz may also utilize drop shots.
Sinner vs. Djokovic: A Clash of Generations with a Shifting Tide
The second semi-final pits two-time defending champion Jannik Sinner against ten-time Australian Open champion Novak Djokovic. Sinner is aiming to join Djokovic as the only man to win three consecutive men's singles titles at the Australian Open.
Djokovic has had an unusual path to the semi-finals, with Lorenzo Musetti retiring in their fourth-round match and Jakub Mensik withdrawing from their last-16 clash. Sinner has won the last five matches against Djokovic. They have met five times in previous Grand Slam tournaments. Sinner's game is similar to Djokovic's, but he is faster and hits bigger.
Sinner holds a 6-4 lead in their head-to-head record. He has won the last nine sets against Djokovic, including straight-set wins in the semi-finals of both the French Open and Wimbledon last year.
Sinner is considered the favourite for the match. Djokovic will need to play his best to have a chance. Sinner's play has set a new mark in the tournament.
The Australian Open continues to draw large crowds. The tournament has drawn 835,287 visitors since the main draw began on January 18, 2026.
