Zverev outlasts Alcaraz to move into Australian Open semifinals
After backhanding the ball into the crowd when Carlos Alcaraz sent his service return too long, Alexander Zverev screamed. He shook both arms in a victory celebration and again he screamed, a mix of triumph and relief.
Any self-doubt that he could contend for major titles again were expunged in a 6-1, 6-3, 6-7 (2), 6-4 quarterfinal win on Wednesday over the brightest rising star in tennis, earning Zverev a spot in the Australian Open semifinals against Daniil Medvedev.
He'd missed a chance to serve it out in straight sets but didn't waste his second opportunity.
A serious ankle injury at the 2022 French Open and the ensuing layoff made him wonder if he really was good enough to win a Grand Slam title.
A pending trial in a German court over an assault allegation dating back to 2020 has had critics questioning his status on the tour. He has denied the accusations and declined comment on the judicial proceedings scheduled for May.
Alcaraz won Wimbledon last year and was the only player to beat 10-time Australian Open winner Novak Djokovic in a Grand Slam match in 2023.
Alcaraz missed the 2023
Australian Open with injury and was into the quarterfinals here for the first time, completing a Grand Slam set.
Medvedev, a twotime finalist in Australia and seeded third, outlasted ninth-seeded Hubert Hurkacz 7-6 (4), 2-6, 6-3, 5-7, 6-4 to make it to the semifinals here for the third time in four years.
The women's semifinal lineup was completed when No. 12 Zheng Qinwen won 10 of the last 11 games to fend off Anna Kalinskaya 6-7 (4), 6-3, 6-1 and Dayana Yastremska beat Linda Noskova 6-3, 6-4.
Defending champion Aryna Sabalenka and U.S. Open winner Coco Gauff will meet in the other semifinal.
Golf
YU'S 64 GIVES HIM LEAD IN SAN DIEGO >> Kevin Yu of Taiwan shot a bogey-free, 8-under 64 on the North Course at Torrey Pines to take a one-shot lead over Patrick Cantlay and Ryo Hisatsune in the opening round of the Farmers Insurance Open.
Cantlay, ranked No. 6 in the world, had just one bogey and fared better than No. 5 Xander Schauffele and defending champion and seventh-ranked Max Homa from Cal. Schauffele, a local who played at San Diego State, shot a 3-under 69 while Homa had all three of his bogeys in the first seven holes in carding a 2-under 70.
Yu, a 25-year-old who played at Arizona State, is seeking his first PGA Tour win. He tied for third at The American Express last week, two shots behind Kevin Dunlap, the first amateur to win on the PGA Tour in 33 years.
NHL
JAZZ OWNERS READY TO BRING NHL TEAM TO UTAH >> The owners of the NBA's Utah Jazz said they have the immediate ability to bring an NHL team to Salt Lake City and requested the initiation of an expansion process.
The Smith Entertainment Group said in a news release it would use the Jazz's arena as an interim home for an NHL franchise. SEG CEO Ryan Smith said the company is “100% focused on making this happen as soon as possible.'
Talks between Smith and the league have been going on since 2022. The NHL said in a statement it appreciates the interest.
The announcement comes past the midway point of the hockey season and with remaining uncertainty about the future of the Arizona Coyotes, who are playing a second season in 5,000-seat Mullett Arena on the campus of Arizona State University in Tempe. League and NHLPA leaders said last year they would like a resolution sooner than later about a future for the Coyotes in the Phoenix area.
The Coyotes declined comment on the Salt Lake City release. They have been adamant about remaining in Arizona despite a failed arena vote in Tempe.
College football
QB ROGERS TO STAY AT WASHINGTON >> Quarterback Will Rogers says he is staying at Washington after entering the transfer portal following the coaching change within the Huskies program.
Rogers posted “Bow Down,” on social media in reference to the school's fight song. He also told ESPN of his intent to stay with the Huskies and play for new coach Jedd Fisch.
Rogers entered the transfer portal for a second time after coach Kalen DeBoer left to take the head job at Alabama following Washington's loss in the national championship game.
Rogers was on the Washington sideline for the championship game after announcing his decision to leave Mississippi State. He is likely to be the Huskies' presumptive starter going into next season.
Rogers is the No. 2 passer in SEC history after throwing for 12,315 yards during four seasons with the Bulldogs.