Alexander Zverev continues to build momentum at the Australian Open 2026. The world No. 3 booked his place in the semifinals after defeating Learner Tien in four sets, setting up a clash with the winner of the quarterfinal between Carlos Alcaraz and Alex de Minaur.
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Speaking to the media after his victory, the German highlighted a factor that has made a significant difference during this run: physical well-being. For the first time in many months, Zverev says he is competing without pain or lingering injuries, a situation he had not experienced for nearly a year.
“Over the last ten days I’ve felt really good physically, and that’s something I haven’t been able to say in a long time,” Zverev explained. “Playing without pain changes everything. You enjoy being on court, you trust your body, and that allows you to perform at a higher level. Winning helps, of course, but the most important thing is feeling healthy again.”
Zverev acknowledged that managing injuries is not only a physical challenge but also a mental one. When the body does not respond freely, he admitted, confidence can suffer and decision-making becomes more conservative. “You hesitate more, you don’t always commit fully to your shots. That affects your tennis,” he said. “At the same time, I’ve worked a lot on becoming more aggressive and improving my game. If my body allows it, I believe the results will follow.”
Asked about the selective tournament schedules adopted by players such as Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner—who have occasionally skipped events to prioritize recovery—Zverev was candid. “Not everyone is in the same position,” he noted. “Carlos and Jannik earn huge amounts and can afford to be extremely selective. I’m very happy with my career and my situation, but it’s different.”
He pointed to examples from the past and present to illustrate the contrast. “Roger Federer played around ten tournaments a year toward the end of his career. Novak Djokovic does something similar now. That’s not always realistic for everyone,” Zverev said. “I’ll need to adjust my schedule as well. It’s a learning process, especially as the body starts to feel the accumulation of matches more than before.”
Despite those considerations, Zverev made it clear that his immediate focus remains firmly on Melbourne. Still chasing his first Grand Slam title, the German emphasized both ambition and enjoyment. “Of course I still want to win a major—that goal hasn’t changed,” he said. “But I also want to enjoy playing tennis. Right now, I’m doing that, and for me, that’s just as important.”
As he prepares for the semifinals, Zverev finds himself in a familiar position: close to the biggest prize in the sport, feeling confident, healthy, and determined to take the final step he has been chasing for years.