Alexander Zverev avoids Carlos Alcaraz timeout controversy question after AUS Open thriller: ‘But what can I do?'

During his Australian Open semifinal against Alexander Zverev, Carlos Alcaraz received a controversial medical timeout.

Published on: Jan 31, 2026, 15:55:19 IST

Written by Neelav Chakravarti

Prefer HTon Google

Share via

Copy link

Carlos Alcaraz had to battle for five hours and 27 minutes to edge past Alexander Zverev in their 2026 Australian Open semifinal, in Melbourne on Friday. The Spaniard came out on top, winning 6-4, 7-6 (7/5), 6-7 (3/7), 6-7 (4/7), 7-5. But it wasn't an easy match for Alcaraz, and he had to rely on grit and experience. He also suffered cramps during the match and had to take a medical timeout in the third set.

Spain's Carlos Alcaraz greets Germany's Alexander Zverev after winning their men's singles semi-final match. (AFP)

The match umpire gave Alcaraz extra time between points in the ninth game, and he received treatment from the physio. According to the rules, players can't receive a medical timeout for cramps, and Zverev launched an X-rated rant at the officials. Meanwhile, the chair umpire stated that she was trying to determine whether Alcaraz was fine.

Also Read: Carlos Alcaraz defends controversial medical timeout vs Alexander Zverev: ‘I didn’t think it was cramp at all'

Zverev was fuming during the timeout, but after the match, he was in a better mood and played down the incident. During the post-match press conference, he was asked about the controversial timeout, and pointed out that he couldn't do anything about it.

"Yeah, I mean, he was cramping. Normally, you can't take a medical timeout for cramps. But what can I do? It's not my decision. I didn't like it, but it's not my decision," he said.

‘I don’t want to talk about this right now': Zverev

He was also asked about his X-rated rant, which he delivered in German. "I just said it was bulls**t. [asked about saying they were protected] I don't remember. To be honest, it was 17 hours ago, and I don't quite remember, but I'm sure somebody has it on video, and you can check. But, to be honest, I don't want to talk about this right now, because I think this was one of the best battles that ever was in Australia, and it doesn't deserve to be the topic now", he added.

Alcaraz will now face Novak Djokovic in the final on Sunday. Djokovic defeated Jannik Sinner in a five-set thriller. Alcaraz is chasing his first Australian Open title and is also looking to become the sixth man in the Open Era to complete the Career Grand Slam. On the other hand, Djokovic will be looking to get a record-extending 11th Australian Open title and a record-extending 25th major title overall.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Neelav Chakravarti
Neelav Chakravarti has been part of the digital sports team at Hindustan Times since 2022, where he covers a wide range of disciplines, including chess, cricket, football, and Olympic sports. Working in a fast-paced digital newsroom, he regularly handles live blogs, breaking updates, and trending stories, combining speed with clarity to keep readers informed in real time. Chess remains both a professional beat and a personal passion for Neelav, and he closely tracks major international tournaments, player narratives, and emerging talents. He is particularly fascinated by the patience, calculation, and strategic depth the game demands, often exploring the psychological side of competition in his writing. Beyond sports journalism, Neelav has a deep interest in visual storytelling and filmmaking, actively participating in film festivals and engaging with independent cinema. He is especially drawn to films that capture the subtleties of everyday life and human relationships, appreciating storytelling that balances realism with emotional depth. This creative interest complements his approach to sports coverage, where he enjoys highlighting the human stories behind performances and results. A history enthusiast by academic training, Neelav holds a bachelor’s degree in the subject and maintains a sustained interest in ancient and medieval Indian history, particularly in cultural and social transitions across eras. His curiosity about the past often shapes his perspective on contemporary narratives and long-form storytelling. When he isn’t tracking scores or developing storylines, Neelav enjoys spending time over the chessboard, relaxing with his cats, or listening to the Empire podcast by Anita Anand and William Dalrymple. He also enjoys reading long-form sports writing that explores the emotional and cultural layers of sport, while maintaining a quiet routine that balances reading, reflection, and occasional time with friends.Read More

Stay updated with the latest sports news, including latest headlines and updates from the Olympics 2024, where Indian athletes will compete for glory in Paris. Catch all the action from tennis Grand Slam tournaments, follow your favourite football teams and players with the latest match results, and get the latest on international hockey tournaments and series.