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Carlos Alcaraz has booked his place in the Australian Open final after a gruelling five hour and 27 minute match against Alexander Zverev. The world number one took it three sets to two, but was made to work by his opponent in the Australian heat.

Alcaraz had taken a two-set lead, winning 6-4 and 7-6, before his German counterpart hit back on the court. Back-to-back 7-6 sets from Zverev saw him back with a chance of earning a place in the final, forcing a decider between the pair.

There was frustration from Zverev mixed into the match, due to a delay during the third set, when Alcaraz was struggling to deal with a bout of cramp. The Spaniard called a medical timeout, but his opponent was left annoyed as they cannot be called for cramp, but he had done so anyway.

In the end though, Alcaraz took the victory, in what ultimately ended up becoming the longest Australian Open semi-final in its history, giving him an opportunity to land a career grand slam. That final will see him face one of Jannik Sinner or Novak Djokovic on Sunday.

Speaking on the court after the victory, Alcaraz said: "Believing, believing all the time. I always say that 'you have to believe in yourself, no matter what', no matter your struggles or what you have been through.

"No matter anything, you have got to still believe in yourself all the time. I was struggling in the middle of the third set. Physically it was one of the most demanding matches that I have ever played in my short career.

"But I have been in this kind of situation and matches before so I knew what I had to do. I had to put my heart into the match, I think I did it, I fought until the last ball and I knew that I was going to have my chances. I was passionate in the fifth set but I am, you know, extremely proud in myself the way that I fought and came back in the fifth set."

When it was made clear that Alcaraz had an opportunity to become the youngest-ever career grand slam winner, the Spaniard laughed and said: "Thank you for putting so much pressure on me right now. Don't worry... I am just really happy to have the chance to play my first final in Melbourne.

"It's something that I was pursuing a lot, chasing a lot, having the chance to for the title. I think it has been a great two weeks so far. I think my level is increasing a lot. I think one thing that I say is I wouldn't stay here doing this interview without these guys (the crowd), it was for me a real pleasure to play in front of all of you.

"The way you pushed me back into the match, the way you push me every time, every ball and every point. It has been crazy. I am really grateful for the support, not only n this match but in the whole tournament.

"On Sunday, it's going to be a great atmosphere and support, so I just can't wait, but obviously right now in my head it's about recovering just to try and be in a good stage for you guys. See you on Sunday, I guess."

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