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Zverev saves break pointpublished at 04:38 GMT
Alcaraz 6-4 0-0 Zverev*
Carlos Alcaraz attempts to lob Alexander Zverev on break point but overhits.
Zverev turns the game back in his favour, only to double fault on game point before staring at his team.
The German is given a time warning by the umpire, which is unlikely to improve his mood after he’s denied a second and third chance to escape.
This already feels like a key game.
Break point Alcarazpublished at 04:34 GMT
Alcaraz 6-4 0-0 Zverev*
There wasn’t much to separate Carlos Alcaraz and Alexander Zverev in that opening set.
But a very costly double fault for Zverev has handed world number one Alcaraz the lead.
No doubt the German is the player more in need of a positive start to set two, however he’ll face an early break point after Alcaraz hammers a ferocious forehand deep into the court.
Game and first set – Alcarazpublished at 04:29 GMT
Alcaraz 6-4 0-0 Zverev*
Just like that, Carlos Alcaraz will serve for the opening set after 40 minutes under the intense sunshine on Rod Laver Arena.
Another devastating wide serve gives him three opportunities to finish it off, and he only requires one as Alexander Zverev hammers a forehand well wide.
Alcaraz breakspublished at 04:26 GMT
*Alcaraz 5-4 Zverev
Oh wow!
After near-perfect serving from Alexander Zverev, a second double fault of the game from the German gifts the first break of the semi-final to Carlos Alcaraz.
Break point Alcarazpublished at 04:25 GMT
Alcaraz 4-4 Zverev*
And now a first double fault from Alexander Zverev.
There are some slight signs of frustration from Carlos Alcaraz as 0-15 turns to 30-15 and he continues to search for a way to break down, and it seems to have fired him up.
Another break point for the Spaniard!
Alcaraz holds servepublished at 04:22 GMT
Alcaraz 4-4 Zverev*
A first double fault from Carlos Alcaraz – but Alexander Zverev can’t capitalise.
Well, he’s not allowed to, really. Alcaraz resets to put together a run of four points. As you were.
Zverev saves break point to holdpublished at 04:17 GMT
*Alcaraz 3-4 Zverev
Alexander Zverev serves his way to safety, slamming in a couple of first serves before hanging in a rally long enough to see Carlos Alcaraz drop a backhand into the net.
A first spot of trouble very well handled by the German third seed.
Break point Alcarazpublished at 04:15 GMT
Alcaraz 3-3 Zverev*
Alexander Zverev pops his first ace on the board as these to continue to look rock-solid on serve.
But from 30-0, Alcaraz draws level as Zverev pulls a shot wide from the baseline.
Stunning shot! Alcaraz sets up his first break point with a backhand from the back of the court which just about catches the line.
Zverev holds servepublished at 04:08 GMT
*Alcaraz 2-3 Zverev
Alexander Zverev has served a tournament-leading 80 aces so far at this year’s Australian Open.
The German hasn’t added to that tally yet today, but he’s still started superbly on serve.
That’s back-to-back efficient love holds for the third seed.
Zverev holds servepublished at 04:00 GMT
*Alcaraz 1-2 Zverev
Clinical serving so far from Alexander Zverev, who wraps up a hold to love in less than two minutes with an accurate forehand.
Alcaraz holds servepublished at 03:57 GMT
Alcaraz 1-1 Zverev*
Carlos Alcaraz begins service duties with an ace before racing into a 40-0 lead in an assured start, but a couple of loose forehands keep Alexander Zverev interested.
No bother, though. Have another ace, he says.
