Alexander Zverev lost to Carlos Alcaraz, 4-6, 6-7, 7-6, 7-6, 5-7, in the Australian Open semifinals.
The German looked set for the final when he mounted a comeback against Alcaraz, who was struggling physically.
He couldn’t get over the line, though, as Alcaraz defeated Zverev in a five-hour classic, before clinching the Australian Open title against Novak Djokovic in the final.
Reflecting on the defeat after his fourth-round win at Indian Wells, Zverev suggested whether he had any regrets.
Alexander Zverev says he reflects on defeat to Carlos Alcaraz in a ‘positive way’
During his latest Indian Wells press conference, Zverev spoke about his Australian Open semifinal defeat.
“I reflect on it in a positive way. I think I played the right way,” said Zverev.
“I gave it my absolute all, and I lost a tough battle to the eventual champion.
“Would I have liked to have won it? Yes, for sure.
“I liked my chances in the final then, as well, but Rafa [Nadal] has a great quote: ‘Ifs don’t happen in sport.’ So I’ve lost, but I’ll take positives away from that.”
The German was then asked whether he thinks he could have been more aggressive, to take advantage of Alcaraz’s struggles.
“I think I was very aggressive throughout the entire match,” said Zverev.
“I think, yeah, when he was hurting, maybe I should have won the third and fourth sets quicker, but it was tough.
Carlos Alcaraz vs Alexander Zverev
| – | Set 1 | Set 2 | Set 3 | Set 4 | Set 5 |
| Players | 40 minutes | 78 minutes | 65 minutes | 64 minutes | 80 minutes |
| Carlos Alcaraz | 6 | 7 | 6 | 6 | 7 |
| Alexander Zverev | 4 | 6 | 7 | 7 | 5 |
“If you look at the match, he was swinging, and he was making a lot, like he was not missing really.
“So first ball after the serve was flat out, and he was making his shots.”
It wasn’t to be for Zverev as he lost out in five sets.
The 28-year-old is still waiting for his first Grand Slam title, as he continues to fall short at the latter stages of the four major tournaments.
Alexander Zverev’s Grand Slam defeats
- Final defeats – 3
- Semifinal defeats – 7
- Quarterfinal defeats – 6
Zverev has lost three finals, seven semifinals, and six quarterfinals.
The most devastating defeat of them all came six years ago, at the US Open.
Playing his first Grand Slam final, Zverev led his good friend Dominic Thiem by two sets to love.
Unfortunately for Zverev, he couldn’t handle the pressure and dropped the next three sets.
He then lost another five-set Grand Slam final at the 2024 French Open to Alcaraz.
Will Zverev ever get his hands on a major title?
Only time will tell…
For now, he has a job to do at the Masters 1000 level!
Alexander Zverev reaches the quarterfinals of Indian Wells
Zverev has impressed so far in California, defeating three strong players en route to the quarterfinals.
Alexander Zverev at Indian Wells
| Round | Opponent | Result | Score |
| 2R | Matteo Berrettini | WIN | 6-3, 6-4 |
| 3R | [28] Brandon Nakashima | WIN | 7-6, 5-7, 6-4 |
| 4R | [21] Frances Tiafoe | WIN | 6-3, 6-4 |
Moving into the quarterfinals, he’ll play Frenchman Arthur Fils.
2026 Indian Wells men’s singles quarterfinals
- [1] Carlos Alcaraz or [13] Casper Ruud vs [Q] Rinky Hijikata or [27] Cameron Norrie
- [3] Novak Djokovic or [14] Jack Draper vs [11] Daniil Medvedev or Alex Michelsen
- [30 Arthur Fils vs [4] Alexander Zverev
- [25] Learner Tien vs [2] Jannik Sinner
Zverev and Fils met twice last year, at the Miami Open and the Italian Open.
Fils drew first blood in Florida, beating Zverev in the fourth round, before the German got his revenge in Rome, at the same stage.
If he can pick up another win against the Frenchman, Zverev would meet either Learner Tien or Jannik Sinner in the semifinals.
It remains to be seen who will emerge victorious at Indian Wells, but you certainly won’t want to miss any of the action.
Zverev will play Fils in the quarterfinals on Thursday, March 12.