Australian Open, Alexander Zverev is the first semifinalist

Alexander Zverev is the first semifinalist of the Australian Open 2026. Indeed, the world number 3 won in the first quarterfinal over Learner Tien after three hours and thirteen minutes of play with a score of 6-3, 6-7(5), 6-1, 7-6(3). On the Rod Laver Arena, from the start with the roof closed given the high temperatures outside, after a promising start the German had to sweat against the young American, who was able to even the score and sell his skin dearly even in the fourth set, which ended in a tie-break.

Zverev, in his 10th career semifinal at a Grand Slam tournament and his fourth in Melbourne, will face the winner of the match between Carlos Alcaraz and Alex De Minaur. In the women’s field, the Australian day opened with the victory of Aryna Sabalenka, who in turn became the first semifinalist. The world number one overcame Iva Jovic, the number 29 seed, with a score of 6-3 6-0 in one hour and 29 minutes of play.

Jannik Sinner on Monday qualified for the quarterfinals of the Australian Open by imposing himself in an Italian derby with Luciano Darderi. Still holding court, however, are the controversies related to the previous match against Spizzirri, with the roof closure, required by regulation in light of the temperatures reached, coming to the rescue of the cramping South Tyrolean. Clarifying the situation was his coach Darren Cahill on ESPN’s microphones.

“Jannik was a little lucky,” he admitted, “but all the coaches and players knew that sooner or later the roof would be closed once the extreme heat came on. I have been with him for a long time now, but that was one of the three or four best performances I have ever seen from him”.

“When they closed the roof and he returned to the field, Jannik was still cramping all over his body. To get through it the way he did was amazing-we were proud of him”, concluded the Australian coach.