Zverev vs Alcaraz: Becker Hails German’s Australian Open Form

“If he plays like he did against Tien in the quarter-finals – this proactive one – and also gets to the net under pressure, then he will win,” said Becker on Matchball Becker on Eurosport, looking back on the game against the American Learner Tien.

“I’m self-confident. Sascha is currently in form to beat Alcaraz,” said the six-time Grand Slam winner: “Physically he’s in top shape. In terms of play, he’s playing his best tennis. I hope he stays cool.”

However, the long break after his strong quarter-final game against the American Learner Tien could be fatal for the Hamburg player. “Now it can be a disadvantage because he naturally starts to think,” speculated Becker.

Ten semi-finals without a title – Zverev wants to rewrite history books

There is little to think about for the German’s team: “Alcaraz is not an unknown opponent,” said brother Mischa Zverev about the world number one in a Eurosport interview. “You know his strengths, you know how he plays. There won’t be any big surprises.”

In the direct duel between the two, the score is evenly matched at 6:6 – it’s another statistic that Zverev wants to reverse. The Hamburg native is the player with the most Grand Slam semi-final appearances without a title. Behind him is the Czech Tomas Berdych with seven semi-finals at major tournaments.

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Zverev made it to the final three times in these ten attempts, where he always lost out, most recently at the Australian Open last year against Jannik Sinner.

His opponent’s statistics, on the other hand, read frighteningly. Alcaraz is also facing its tenth semi-final – with only 20 participations in total. The Spaniard has also won six major titles. Zverev in the “form of his life” will do everything he can to turn the statistics in his direction.

(with SID)