The men’s semifinals in Melbourne are set, and to say fans are excited is an understatement. Although the 2026 Australian Open has lacked upsets throughout its first week and a half, it sets up for a tremendous final weekend at the first slam of the year.
No. 1 seed Carlos Alcaraz, seeking the career Grand Slam, squares off against Alexander Zverev. Elsewhere, two-time defending champion Jannik Sinner squares off against Novak Djokovic. As always, we at LWOT offer our roundtable predictions. But who will advance?
Australian Open Men’s Semifinal Prediction
Carlos Alcaraz vs Alexander Zverev
Head-to-Head: Alcaraz 6-6 Zverev
Jordan
Alcaraz is the world No. 1 and played terrifically in the opening five rounds. However, Zverev will almost certainly be happier to play him than Jannik Sinner. The German has a decent record against the 22-year-old and defeated him at the 2024 Australian Open. Alcaraz’s superior mentality as a six-time Grand Slam champion and his opponent’s tendency to get defensive on the biggest stage make him the most likely winner, but Zverev should not be written off.
Prediction: Alcaraz in 5
Nurein
It was only a matter of time before Alcaraz overcame the quarterfinal hurdle at the Australian Open, and now the title is within reach, as is the career Grand Slam. But this will be his most significant test of the tournament up against an in-form Zverev, whose serve has been solid and backhand looking stable. That said, Alcaraz has thrived in chaos even when sets get tight, and his return game is exemplary. I’m backing the Spaniard to edge this.
Prediction: Alcaraz in 4
Tope
Carlos Alcaraz still hasn’t dropped as in this tournament, while Zverev swept Learner Tien to reach his third straight semi. The head-to-head stands 6-6, with hard-court edges tipping toward Zverev (5-3), though Alcaraz leads 3-2 in outdoor hard-court clashes and 2-2 in Slams. Motivation runs high for both: Zverev chasing Slam final redemption, Alcaraz aiming to complete the Career Grand Slam. Expect a high-octane, gruelling duel, likely going the distance given current form and past encounters, but in the end, the Spaniard will be playing in his first Australian Open final. I think he goes all the way in Melbourne.
Prediction: Alcaraz in 5
Ateet
This is the 10th semifinal appearance at this level for both, and they are tied at 6-6 in their head-to-head. This semifinal has all the makings of a classic, as both players are in great form. Zverev is chasing his maiden Slam, while Alcaraz will look to keep his career Grand Slam dream alive. The German has beaten Alcaraz here before in 2024, but Alcaraz is a better and more focused player now, and unless Zverev serves out of his skin, I can’t see him winning this.
Prediction: Alcaraz in 4
Shane
Few players on tour have played Alcaraz more competitively than Zverev. In fact, he’s the only player other than Djokovic to hold a .500 record or better against the Spaniard in six or more matches. With that said, Alcaraz has looked deliberate and in control during his hunt for the career Grand Slam. If the German wants a chance in this match, he must take risks early and often. Can he find consistent success this way? Only time will tell.
Prediction: Alcaraz in 4
Main Photo Credit: Mike Frey – Imagn Images
