Alexander Zverev says playing without pain makes him feel ‘happy’ on the court after sealing his place in another Australian Open semi-final.
The third seed edged out American rising star Learner Tien 6-3, 6-7(5), 6-1, 7-6(3), in an at times closely contested encounter on the Rod Laver Arena. Zverev hit 24 aces and produced a total of 56 winners en route to the last four. He is only the third active player on the men’s Tour to reach the semi-finals in Melbourne for a fourth time after Novak Djokovic and Stefanos Tsitsipas.
Zverev’s run is a welcome return to the main stage of Grand Slam tennis after a disappointing second half of 2025. In his two previous appearances at majors, he lost in the third and first rounds. Regarding the reason behind his resurgence, the German links it to being fully fit after overcoming numerous issues in recent months. During last season, he experienced problems with his shoulder, back and ankle at various stages.
“The last ten days, I felt healthy and pain-free, which I haven’t felt in a long time. Probably in 12 months.” Zverev said during his press conference.
“That’s a good starting point for me. I feel good. I feel like I’m playing well. I’m happy on the court because I am playing pain-free and I’m playing at a good level.
“Of course, winning always helps.”
The signs are promising for Zverev, who admits he isn’t playing at his very top level. According to him, his peak form was at the 2022 French Open, where he was forced to retire from his semi-final match against Rafael Nadal after injuring his ankle.
Now appearing to play with more freedom in Melbourne Park, the 28-year-old said he has been able to do so due to being fully fit again.
“Being pain-free is the biggest change that I’ve had in the last 12 months. It’s a constant struggle.” He explained.
“When you are dealing with certain pain and aches, and when you are feeling like you can’t do every single move freely, it’s just tiring also mentally for you. Then you maybe don’t go for your shots as much. You don’t rely on your body as much.”
Zverev, who is the first man born after 1990 to reach 10 Grand Slam semi-finals, is still chasing after his first major title. Three times he has contested a final, and in two of those he lost a two-set advantage. Those who beat him were Dominic Thiem at the 2019 US Open, Carlos Alcaraz at the French Open and Jannik Sinner at the Australian Open last year.
“I’m still chasing that desired slam. Of course, I still want to achieve that, but I also want to enjoy my tennis. Right now I’m doing that, and that’s the most important thing for me.” He concluded.
Zverev will play either Alcaraz or Alex de Minaur for a place in the final.
