The Australian Open 2026 witnessed a day of unparalleled drama on January 30th, with both men's singles semi-finals stretching to five sets for the first time since 2017. The day culminated in two epic encounters that not only tested the physical limits of the athletes but also etched their names in the tournament's history.
The first semi-final saw Carlos Alcaraz, the world number one, battling past Germany's Alexander Zverev in a grueling five-hour and 27-minute match. Alcaraz secured his first Australian Open final berth with a score of 6-4, 7-6 (7/5), 6-7 (3/7), 6-7 (4/7), 7-5. This victory brings him within touching distance of becoming the youngest man to achieve a career Grand Slam. Despite appearing to suffer from cramp at 4-4 in the third set, Alcaraz demonstrated incredible resilience and self-belief to outlast his opponent in hot conditions. Alcaraz acknowledged the demanding nature of the match, stating he had to put his heart into it and fought until the last ball.
The second semi-final was no less dramatic, with Novak Djokovic overcoming a strong challenge from Jannik Sinner, the two-time defending champion. Djokovic's victory, with a score of 3-6, 6-3, 4-6, 6-4, 6-4, propels him to his 25th Grand Slam final and his 11th Australian Open final. This win was particularly significant for Djokovic, as it marked the end of his losing streak against Sinner, prevailing for the first time in six attempts. The match concluded at 1:32 am, underscoring the grueling nature of the contest. Djokovic, who is now the oldest man in history to reach the Australian Open final, expressed his relief and pride after the physically demanding match.
Adding to the day's triumphs, Australian wildcards Olivia Gadecki and John Peers were crowned the AO 2026 mixed doubles champions. They secured their title after a comeback against French pair Kristina Mladenovic and Manuel Guinard 4-6, 6-3, [10-8]. Gadecki and Peers are the first team to defend their title since 1989.
Looking ahead, the stage is set for a captivating final between Alcaraz and Djokovic. Alcaraz is determined to become the youngest man to complete a career Grand Slam. Meanwhile, Djokovic is aiming for his 25th Grand Slam title and 11th Australian Open crown. With both semi-finals going the distance, the finals promise to be a spectacle of athleticism and determination.
The Australian Open 2026 has already been a tournament of milestones. Djokovic recorded his 100th match win at the Australian Open, becoming the first man in the Open Era to achieve this feat at three different majors. He also surpassed Roger Federer's record for the most match wins at the Australian Open, with 103 wins.
