The Australian Open semifinals are set, and we've got four of the best players on the planet battling for a spot in Sunday's final. This is the first time since the 2019 French Open that the top four seeds have all made the semis at a major, and the matchups are absolutely loaded.

Jannik Sinner vs. Novak Djokovic. Carlos Alcaraz vs. Alexander Zverev. Tennis doesn't get much better than this.

The Quick Hit

• What happened: Top 4 seeds all reach semis for first time since 2019 French Open
• The damage: Two elite semifinal matchups Thursday
• Why you should care: These are bet-able tennis matches at the highest level
• The move: Read on for the breakdown

Sinner vs. Djokovic: The Master vs. The New King

Jannik Sinner is the two-time defending Australian Open champion and the current world number one. Novak Djokovic is a 10-time Australian Open winner who just recorded his 100th career match win at this tournament—the first man in the Open Era to hit 100 wins at three different majors.

The numbers here are ridiculous. Djokovic's quarterfinal win gave him 103 Australian Open match victories, breaking Roger Federer's previous record. At 37 years old, he's still doing things no one has ever done.

But Sinner has owned him lately. The Italian has won their last four meetings, including the 2024 Australian Open semifinal en route to his first major title.

The Betting Angle: Sinner should be favored, but Djokovic in a Grand Slam semifinal on this court is never an easy out. Look at the set spread if you want value—Djokovic stealing a set seems entirely plausible even if he loses the match.

Alcaraz vs. Zverev: Youth vs. Experience (Sort Of)

Carlos Alcaraz is 22. Alexander Zverev is 28. In tennis terms, one is the bright young superstar and the other is the veteran who's been knocking on the door of major glory for years.

Alcaraz already has four Grand Slam titles. Zverev has zero, though he's reached the finals before and has been a consistent top-5 player.

This is a contrast in styles. Alcaraz is all explosive athleticism and creativity, capable of shots that make you question physics. Zverev is methodical, powerful from the baseline, and dangerous when his serve is clicking.

The Betting Angle: Alcaraz should be the favorite, but Zverev has the game to compete with anyone on a hard court. This could easily go five sets, making the over on total games an interesting play.

Historic Tournament Notes

A few things to keep in mind as you're filling out your betting slips:

• Venus Williams became the oldest player in the women's singles draw at age 45
• Stan Wawrinka played his final Australian Open, losing in the third round at age 40
• The tournament prize pool hit a record A$111.5 million, up 16% from last year

We also covered the 24-leg parlay that included Australian Open legs from this week's conference championship action. Tennis has been good to bettors who know what they're doing this month.

What About the Women's Semis?

On the women's side, we've got Elena Rybakina seeking her second Grand Slam title and Jessica Pegula reaching her first Australian Open semifinal. Defending champion Madison Keys crashed out in the fourth round, so we're guaranteed a new women's champion.

That's a whole different betting market worth exploring if you're looking for action beyond the men's semis.

The Bottom Line

Four elite players, two semifinal matches, and the first time in seven years we've seen the top four seeds all make it this far at a major. This is appointment viewing for tennis bettors.

Sinner and Alcaraz should both be favored, but neither Djokovic nor Zverev is going quietly. Look for competitive matches, potential five-setters, and plenty of betting opportunities in the game and set markets beyond just the match winner.

The Australian Open final is Sunday. We'll find out Thursday who gets to play for the trophy.