Alexander Zverev Storms Into Australian Open Quarterfinals

Alexander Zverev has once again proven why he’s one of the top contenders in men’s tennis, as he storms into the quarterfinals of the 2026 Australian Open with a dominant performance against Francisco Cerundolo, who has always troubled the German in the past. Zverev is into his 16th quarterfinal at Grand Slams and fifth at the Australian Open. Zverev was dealt a tough draw, but he has navigated it brilliantly and is hitting peak form at the right time. 

There wasn’t much buzz around Zverev before the tournament started, considering he is the world No.3, and maybe going under the radar has worked well for the German. He is just casually moving through his draw over on John Cain Arena and is playing some of the best tennis he has ever played in Slams.

It looks like the injuries Zverev referred to last year severely affected his level. He’s playing so much better right now than he did for the majority of 2025. He has been hitting his forehand with a lot more pace and, therefore, also playing more aggressively than usual. He is returning with more intent rather than just putting the ball in. Zverev is showing variety by mixing in drop shots and has been successful at the net. Zverev won 20 out of 23 net points against Cerundolo, which should boost his confidence.

Road Ahead for Zverev

Zverev’s path ahead is daunting, but he might like the fact that he does not have to face Daniil Medvedev in the quarterfinal. Zverev has lost 6 of his last 7 matches against the Russian. Medvedev’s deep return neutralises Zverev’s serve, and his defensive talents, plus flat ball-striking, make it hard for Zverev to get cheap points against him. This leads to longer rallies and defensive tendencies in Zverev. And also, Medvedev tends to get in his head.

However, Learner Tien won’t be easy either. Zverev has been a lefty slayer in the last three years with a 37-1 win-loss record in his last 38 matches against lefties, but that loss came against the 20-year-old American. Tien dismantled Medvedev in the fourth round and is playing the best tennis of his life. He’s returning well, serving much better than last year and can change direction on both wings so well. Zverev generally beats lefties by grinding down the cross-court forehand, but Tien can always kind of escape down the line if he wants to.

Should Zverev reach the semifinals, a blockbuster against world No. 2 Carlos Alcaraz looms likely. Alcaraz advanced with a straight-sets win over Tommy Paul in the fourth round and has looked razor sharp. In the final, potential opponents include defending champion Jannik Sinner or Novak Djokovic from the top half. 

Right now, Zverev is playing at an elite level. His serve is a weapon on the fast Melbourne hard courts, and his baseline game is firing with depth and precision. But whether he can keep this up in high-pressure moments will decide his fate in the coming matches.