Eight years after stepping onto the grand stage of Majors in opposition to top-5 opponents, Alexander Zverev has triumphed in a big breakthrough, securing his maiden victory over this elite echelon. The German endured a difficult journey, encountering ten consecutive defeats in opposition to the top-5 gamers at Majors, together with a heartbreaking loss within the 2020 US Open last to Dominic Thiem after a thriller.

Alexander took down world no. 2 Carlos Alcaraz 6-1, 6-3, 6-7, 6-4 in three hours and 5 minutes. This landmark victory marked a turning level in Zverev’s Main profession, with Rod Laver Area witnessing the end result of his efforts in opposition to the highest-caliber opponents.

Regardless of dealing with adversity within the third set on the doorstep of victory, Zverev showcased resilience and in the end sealed the deal within the fourth, claiming his most notable win on tennis’s grandest stage. Now, having secured his place within the semi-final, Zverev seems to be forward to a different top-5 problem in opposition to two-time overwhelmed finalist Daniil Medvedev, as he goals to construct on this historic achievement and proceed his ascent on the Australian Open.

Let’s delve into Alexander’s outstanding journey by way of 11 Main encounters in opposition to the top-5 rivals and savor the candy style of his first victory amongst tennis’s elite. Zverev debuted on the Australian Open in 2016, dealing with world no.

2 Andy Murray within the first spherical.

Andy gained 6-1, 6-2, 6-3 in two hours and eight minutes, defending all six break factors and stealing the younger gun’s serve six occasions for a rock-solid victory.

The German needed to wait over three years to expertise one other conflict in opposition to the top-5 rival at Majors, reaching the quarter-final at Roland Garros 2019 and assembly world no. 1 Novak Djokovic. The Serb secured a 7-5, 6-2, 6-2 victory in two hours and 9 minutes, delivering late breaks within the opener and having the higher hand in units two and three.

Alexander performed effectively within the first set and served for it at 5-4. Novak stayed calm, pulled the break and took cost, rattling off 15 of the ultimate 20 video games to race into the semi-final. Half a yr later, Zverev battled in opposition to Dominic Thiem within the Australian Open semi-final.

Alexander Zverev notched his first top-5 win at Majors over Carlos Alcaraz.

Thiem prevailed 3-6, 6-4, 7-6, 7-6 in three hours and 42 minutes, taking the pivotal factors and leaving Zverev with out the ultimate spot. Alexander claimed the opener earlier than dropping the sting within the subsequent three, ending his run within the semi-final and nonetheless searching for his first top-5 win at Majors.

The German might have modified that eight months later in New York, dealing with Thiem in a Main last and struggling a large blow. Thiem defeated his good buddy 2-6, 4-6, 6-4, 6-3, 7-6 in 4 hours and one minute, lifting his first and solely Main title and leaving Zverev in ruins.

It was probably the most notable comeback within the Main finals since Roland Garros 2004, with Alexander squandering two units to like lead and lacking an opportunity to convey the victory dwelling after serving for it at 5-3 within the decider.

The German crumbled beneath strain, netting a routine volley and preserving the Austrian alive.

Alexander misplaced serve once more within the eleventh sport earlier than pulling it again at 5-6 for extra drama. It was the primary deciding tie break within the US Open finals, and Zverev saved two match factors at 4-6 to delay the motion. Nonetheless, he sprayed a backhand mistake on the third match level, pushing Thiem excessive.

Just a few months later, Alexander performed one other Main match in opposition to Novak Djokovic, this time within the Australian Open quarter-final. Novak prevailed 6-7, 6-2, 6-4, 7-6 in three and a half hours after a large battle. Alexander gave his finest, constructing the benefit in three units however clinching just one.

Zverev cast a 3-0 lead within the fourth set and had three extra break factors within the fourth sport. Djokovic erased them, pulled the break again in sport 5 and held within the subsequent one for 3-3. Alexander squandered two extra break factors within the eighth sport and a set level at 6-5 earlier than Novak sealed the deal within the tie break.

Zverev was a Main contender at Roland Garros a few months later, reaching the semi-final and falling to Stefanos Tsitsipas in 5 units. That they had many ups and downs, with Tsitsipas rising on the prime with 5 breaks on his tally, getting damaged 3 times.

Alexander booked one other Main duel with Novak Djokovic on the US Open, and the Serb prevailed 4-6, 6-2, 6-4, 4-6, 6-2 within the semi-final in three and a half hours. Zverev defeated Djokovic on the Tokyo Olympics a couple of weeks earlier and stood an opportunity on this one.

Novak misplaced serve 3 times and grabbed 5 breaks, overpowering his rival within the decider and preserving him with out the top-5 victory at Majors.

Zverev pushed Rafael Nadal to the boundaries within the 2022 Roland Garros semi-final, beginning the second set’s tie break with the three-hour mark on the clock! Nadal led 7-6, 6-6 when Zverev skilled a extreme ankle harm, leaving the court docket in tears and ruining his season.

Alexander wanted time to return to his A-game in 2023, taking part in effectively in opposition to and arranging two extra matches in opposition to the top-5 rivals at Majors. Casper Ruud ousted Zverev within the Roland Garros semi-final, and Carlos Alcaraz bested him within the US Open quarter-final, with the German failing to win a set in each encounters.

Alexander and Carlos met once more on this yr’s Australian Open quarter-final, and the German lastly defeated the top-5 participant at Majors. Zverev was the one participant on the court docket for over half a match, forging a 6-3, 6-1, 5-2 benefit and looking out good to seal the deal in type.

Nonetheless, he obtained damaged whereas serving for the win at 5-3, preserving his rival in competition. Alcaraz took cost and clinched the breaker 7-2 to increase the battle and his possibilities. They traded breaks at the start of the fourth set and served effectively for 4-4.

The German broke at 15 in sport 9 for a 5-4 lead and sealed the take care of a maintain at 30 within the subsequent one for a spot within the semi-final after his first Main top-5 win.