Carlos Alcaraz was given one of the toughest tests of his career against Alexander Zverev in the semi-finals of the Australian Open.
Up until the final four, the Australian Open had been smooth sailing for the world number one, who hadn’t dropped a set in his first five matches.
Alcaraz controversially struggled with cramping against Zverev, which helped the German take the world number one to a deciding set.
The Spaniard was able to get over the line in the fifth set, and he has now shared an update on the physical issues that plagued him at the Australian Open.
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Carlos Alcaraz says his body ‘could be better’ ahead of Australian Open final
Alcaraz‘s grit and adrenaline carried him through his match with Zverev, but he confirmed that he is still worse for wear in his Australian Open press conference.
“Well, obviously I feel tired. You know, obviously my body could be better, to be honest, but I think that’s normal after five hours and a half.
Rate Carlos Alcaraz’s chances of winning the Australian Open out of 10
“So I just did whatever it takes just to try to be better, to feel better tomorrow. Ice bath. I’m going to have treatment with the physio now, and we will see.
“Hopefully it’s not going to be nothing at all, but after five-hours-and-a-half match and that high level of physically, I think the muscles are going to be tight, and I just got to do whatever it takes to be as good as I can for the final.
Alcaraz shared what he plans to do to recover before the final, which is set to take place on Sunday, 1 February.
“I will try to do whatever it takes just to be ready. But obviously it’s going to take a couple of hours, for sure, with treatment, and obviously with the adrenaline and everything from the match, sometimes it’s really difficult to get to sleep. I will try to go to sleep as soon as I can, but probably it’s going to take a couple of hours, for sure.”
Alcaraz will now compete in his very first Australian Open final, having previously only ever reached as far as the last eight before.
Carlos Alcaraz hits incredible heights with latest Grand Slam win
Alcaraz’s appearance at the Australian Open is the 20th Grand Slam of his career and he’s now notched up an incredible amount of victories.
The star’s win against Zverev was his 90th Grand Slam victory, which is far and away more than any other active player in their first 20 Grand Slams.
Alcaraz stands head and shoulders above Novak Djokovic and Jannik Sinner in second and third, who managed 66 and 61 wins, respectively, in their first 20 Grand Slams.
To put Alcaraz’s number into context, Roger Federer only managed 48 victories in his first 20 Grand Slams, while Rafael Nadal managed 87.
Only Bjorn Borg (98) and John McEnroe (91) have bettered Alcaraz’s record, putting him in very esteemed company.
