Alexander Zverev Beats Carlos Alcaraz To Reach Australian Open Semifinals Amid Swirling Legal Issues

In a stunning breakthrough at the Australian Open, German tennis star Alexander Zverev beat reigning Wimbledon champion Carlos Alcaraz to advance to his second semi-final in Melbourne.

No. 6 Zverev’s 6-1, 6-3, 6-7(2), 6-4 victory over No. 2 Alcaraz comes amid legal trouble for the 26-year-old and set up a semi-final with No. 3 Daniil. Medvedev, who advanced over No. 9 Hubert Hurkacz in five sets. Medvedev leads Zverev 11-7 all-time, including 5-3 on hard courts.

“Look, I’m playing against one of the best players in the world, especially over the last two years, he’s been No. 1 or No. 2 constantly,” Zverev told Jim Courier on court. “He has won two Grand Slams.

“When you’re 6-1, 6-3, 5-2, you start thinking. I mean, we’re all human and it’s a great honor to play against guys like him. Then when you’re that close to winning, obviously your brain starts working and it’s not always helpful. But I’m happy to have reached the end. I fought pretty well in the fourth set, I didn’t let go and I’m very happy to have finished the match.”

In a news story that emerged during the tournament, Brenda Patea, the mother of Zverev’s daughter Mayla, alleged to German officials “that Zverev pushed her against a wall and strangled her during an argument in 2020,” according to a report. El Atlético report. “Patea said he told his friends about the incident at the time, but did not report it to the police until October 2021 due to a mix of shame and concern for his daughter, who was born in March 2021. ”.

The Athletic also reported:

In October, a Berlin criminal court issued a sanctions order, fining Zverev almost $500,000 (£393,000) in relation to Patea’s charges. In Germany, a prosecutor can request a sanction order in cases that he considers simple because there is compelling evidence that should not require a trial. The defendant has the right to challenge the order, as does Zverev.

Speaking at the Paris Masters in November, Zverev described the penalty call as “complete nonsense”, adding: “Anyone who has a semi-standard IQ level knows what this is all about.” The player did not elaborate on the reasons for his objection. “To be honest, I’m not going to comment on that because there is still a procedure ahead,” he said.

A test is scheduled for the end of May, at the same time as the French Open. Zverev is not required to attend the trial and said last week that he does not know if he will. His lawyers called the legal process “scandalous” and said Zverev would take action “using all possible means.” The player will be considered innocent until a final sentence is handed down.

Olya Sharypova, another ex-girlfriend of Zverev, has also said it Zverev repeatedly abused her in 2019 in New York, Shanghai, Monaco and Geneva. He made his accusations on Slate and not before officials.

The ATP sanctioned a 15-month independent investigation by The Lake Forest Group (LFG), an outside investigator. The ATP said the Group “conducted extensive interviews with both Sharypova and Zverev, and 24 other individuals, including family and friends, tennis players and other parties involved in the ATP Tour.”

In January 2023, the ATP said: “The ATP will not take any disciplinary action against Zverev. However, this determination may be re-evaluated if new evidence comes to light or if legal proceedings reveal violations of ATP rules. “Zverev has consistently denied all allegations and has supported the ATP investigation.”

The German star has maintained his innocence at all times and has criticized the press for making his participation in the ATP Tour and the Players Council an issue.

Amid these whirlwinds of legal issues, other players have been reluctant to comment on Zverev’s situation, but American Sloane Stephens, a former US Open champion who recently resigned from the WTA Player Council, said a similar situation It probably wouldn’t exist on the women’s circuit.

“The ATP beats its own drum,” Stephens told reporters in Melbourne. “They do what they do on that side.”

“It’s a difficult situation,” Stephens added. “Someone very prominent in our sport… I think he will now go to trial and face whatever he faces (the issue may be resolved).

Courier did not ask Zverev about his legal problems in the on-court interview, but announcers John, Patrick McEnroe and Chris Fowler discussed it during the match.

“It’s hard to imagine him not being distracted,” John McEnroe said on air.

Against Alcaraz, Zverev served for the match at 5-3 in the third set and was within two points of the match.

He later took a medical break to treat a blister on his foot.

“Well, I have a lot of blood under my toenails, so it’s pretty painful,” Zverev said on court. “And when you run a lot, they come back. So I had to re-record it. I’d rather feel the way I feel now, maybe a little sore here and there, and be in the semi-finals, than be at home right now and watch this tournament. That’s why I say okay… and I’m ready to go.”

A rejuvenated Alcaraz turned the tables and won the tiebreaker by mixing baseline winners with skillful drop shots. After being overwhelmed in the first two sets, he smiled toward his box and played aggressive tennis.

It looked like they might last five sets, but Zverev broke Alcaraz for 5-4 in the fourth set.

Serving for the match at 5-4, 40-30, Zverev scored a service winner and then found Alcaraz at the net.

On this day at least, Zverev was focused on his opponent and is now in his second Australian Open semi-final with a chance to claim his first major title. His only appearance in a Grand Slam final It came at the 2020 US Open, where he lost to Dominic Thiem.

“[Medvedev] “I’ve been kicking my own ass a lot over the last year, but maybe this is it, I don’t know,” Zverev said. “Maybe this is the place.

“I love playing in Australia. We, as players, always say that New York is the most energetic Slam, but for me the crowd is the best in Australia.”