Alexander Zverev stands on the brink of a remarkable Australian Open final after seizing control of a pulsating semi-final against world No 1 Carlos Alcaraz. The third seed, 28, leads the deciding set after an early break, having dragged himself back from two sets down in a contest that has spilled beyond four hours.

Alcaraz struck first, taking the opener 6-4 as Zverev leaked double faults, and appeared poised to run away with it when he led 5-2 in the second set. Yet the German refused to fold. He survived the scare, forced a tie-break and then outmuscled a clearly compromised Alcaraz in back-to-back breakers to level the match.

The decider has been a test of nerve. Alcaraz has applied relentless pressure, but Zverev has shown steel, saving break points to edge 4-2 ahead. A sublime drop shot at 30-30 under pressure underlined the Spaniard’s resistance, but, for now, Zverev remains in the driving seat. (With inputs from Agencies)