German Zverev triumphed 6-1 6-3 6-7 6-4 to book a semi-final date tomorrow with Daniil Medvedev.
Such has been the dominance of Spaniard Alcaraz that losing this quarter-final clash is the World No.2’s earliest Grand Slam exit in 18 months.
Zverev looked unstoppable in the first two sets and was serving for a straight sets win just after midnight.
But then Alcaraz (inset) broke for the first time before getting back to 5-5 and winning the last seven points of the tiebreak.
After an exchange of service breaks to open the fourth and some rallies of incredible shots, Zverev had another chance to close out after breaking in the ninth game.
As he clinched victory at 1.19am, he let out a scream of relief. “I’m playing one of the best players in the world,” he said.
Denne historien er fra January 25, 2024-utgaven av Daily Star.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent ? Logg på
Denne historien er fra January 25, 2024-utgaven av Daily Star.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent? Logg på
Leaky bum time
WATER WASTE FIRMS NEARLY RUNNING OUT
TO GAV & TO HOLD
Is it finally Mr & Mrs Smithy in telly special?
ROYLE PALS REUNITE IN FAMILY FUN
ROYLE Family legends Sue Johnston and Ricky Tomlinson made some shock discoveries when they reunited to film ITV show DNA Journey.
Jeff: EasyJet drunk was UNBELIEVABLE
HOST BLASTS AIRLINE AFTER DODGY FLIGHT
'SIR FREEBIE' KEIR HIT BY SLEAZE TAG
Still not as bad as Bozo
LITTLER BRITAIN
UK willies among smallest in world!
ERIK'S LEAKY BOAT STAYS AFLOAT
But America's Cup can't distract Old Trafford chiefs from sinking feeling
Blues still punching above their weight
Enzo slows hype as side fail to cut down Forest
WALT-ZER
Big Sam leaves 'em in spin but ride looks over
STOCKING THRILLER
Rossa stars on his Arc angel