Australian Open 2026: Carlos Alcaraz denies bending rules in epic Alexander Zverev semi-final

‘Cabeza, corazón y cojones.’

If you don’t understand Spanish then it is perhaps better you search online for the literal translation of the motto which Alcaraz abides by.

In summary, the phrase means the ability to show head, heart and courage in times of difficulty.

Once again, Alcaraz showed all three qualities when he dipped deep into his reserves to beat Zverev and reach a first Australian Open final.

Top seed Alcaraz said quitting the match never entered his head, adding: “I just hate giving up”.

Alcaraz has ‘CCC’ tattooed on his wrist – a tribute to the family phrase coined by his grandad and drummed into the six-time major champion when he was a child.

After battling past Zverev to keep his quest to become the youngest man to win the career Grand Slam alive, he prodded his chest to show the victory came from the heart.

Alcaraz has already shown his penchant for achieving the extraordinary, most notably when he recovered from two sets down – and saving three championship points – against rival Sinner in last year’s French Open final.

“When I was younger, there were a lot of matches that I just didn’t want to fight anymore or I gave up. Then I got mature,” he said.

“I hate that feeling [of giving up] after all.

“Every step more, every one second more of suffering, one second more of fighting is always worth it.

“That’s why I just fight until the last ball and always believe that I can come back in every situation.”