Carlos Alcaraz makes surprising revelation before Australian Open semifinal vs. Zverev: “He just beat me”

Carlos Alcaraz is through to the Australian Open semifinals for the first time in his career, and he knows what comes next will require more. After a convincing straight-sets win over Australia’s Alex de Minaur, the Spanish star was already looking ahead to his next challenge.

“I have to raise my level,” Alcaraz said of his upcoming semifinal against Alexander Zverev.

Alcaraz’s Melbourne milestone

The 22-year-old defeated de Minaur 7-5, 6-2, 6-1 in 2 hours, 18 minutes to book his place in the final four in Melbourne. It was Alcaraz’s 10th career Grand Slam semifinal appearance, making him the second-youngest player ever to reach that mark. Only Rafael Nadal got there younger, by a matter of days.

Now, Alcaraz will face Zverev with a spot in the final on the line.

World No. 1 assesses current form

“I’m really happy with the way I’m playing,” Alcaraz said. “My level has improved with every match, and I’m also playing with more patience. Physically, I feel good too. That’s saying a lot when you think about what the US Open demands, but I feel strong.”

Alcaraz emphasized that his best tennis has come as the tournament has gone on. “In every match, my level has gone up. That makes me happy, to see myself in the place I’m in right now,” he said. “The team has been huge for me, especially with patience. Sometimes I didn’t come off the court totally satisfied, and they kept telling me to stay patient. Physically I feel good, and I’m really happy to be playing my first semifinal in Australia.”

De Minaur debrief

Facing de Minaur is never straightforward, Alcaraz said. “It’s very hard to play against him. He hits the ball hard all the time, and you have to be focused on every point.”

There were moments when the match threatened to turn. “I started really well, then things got a little complicated and I lost my feel for the match,” he admitted. “But we stayed serious, we held on during Alex’s best moments.”

Alcaraz said enjoying himself on court helped him regain control. “There were moments where I was having fun, laughing, and that helped me see things much more clearly. That’s part of maturing and growing, without ever losing our essence.”

The role of his inner circle

Alcaraz repeatedly highlighted the importance of his team. “It’s amazing to have them with me,” he said. “We joke sometimes. Other players tell me I could play a soccer match with my whole team, but I need them.”

Off the court, he said, their presence makes a difference. “They make me feel at home. Having my brother, my dad, part of my family here is incredible. These experiences were my dad’s dream, and I’m proud and happy to see him here.”

Alcaraz makes Zverev revelation

The semifinal against Zverev is already on Alcaraz’s mind. “I’ve watched Sascha all tournament. He’s playing great tennis, very solid and aggressive, serving well,” he said. “I have to be ready.”

Alcaraz noted that Zverev beat him 7-6 in practice before the tournament began. “So we all have to be ready, my team and me. We need to play smart tactically,” he said. “It’s going to be a great battle, and I’m excited to play him here again and get some revenge.”

The familiar way Alcaraz plans to reset

With two days off before the Australian Open semifinal, Alcaraz plans to recharge. “I don’t know yet what I’ll do,” he said with a smile. “Golf is always on the list. I’ll go for walks, talk with my team about what to train, and make the most of the time.”

The best ever Alcaraz?

After leaving the court, Alcaraz spoke again to Eurosport and was asked whether this was the best version of himself.

“That’s a big statement,” he said. “But I feel really good. In every match, my level has gone up, and that makes me happy. The team has helped me so much with patience. Physically I’m in a good place, and I’m just happy to be playing my first semifinal here.”

As for what comes next, Alcaraz is clear-eyed. “It’s going to be a very tough match,” he said of Zverev. “I’ve watched him a lot and I know the level he’s bringing. He’s playing very solid and aggressive when he can, especially on the backhand, and his forehand looks good too.”

Still, Alcaraz is eager for the challenge. “We know what we did wrong two years ago, and we’ve worked to improve that. We’ll try to be a different player out there,” he said. “I’m really looking forward to it, to enjoying the match and going all out. It’s going to be a great battle.”

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