World No. 1 Carlos Alcaraz is looking to make Alexander Zverev sweat when they face off in the semifinals of the 2026 Australian Open on Friday.Alcaraz said he has been monitoring the world number 3's playing level and has noted the effort required to maintain the Spaniard's clinical record of not dropping a set throughout the tournament.
"I've been watching his matches throughout the tournament," Alcaraz said of Zverev.
"Her level of play so far has been very impressive, so it's going to be a great match. I know her serve is pretty good. She plays very solidly and aggressively when she can in baseline rallies."
"I'll definitely be ready. I'm excited to play against him here in the AO semifinals. I know what I have to do," said the 22-year-old.
"I will prepare well for that match. If he wants to beat me, he will have to sweat a lot."
While Alcaraz reached the Grand Slam semifinals with a clean record, Zverev was repeatedly tested, dropping a set in four of his five matches.
Alcaraz is chasing his first Australian Open title, which would complete his Career Grand Slam, while Zverev, a three-time major finalist and runner-up last year in Melbourne, is aiming for his long-awaited first Grand Slam trophy.
