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

Carlos Alcaraz outlasted Alexander Zverev 6-4, 7-6 (7/5), 6-7 (3/7), 6-7 (4/7), 7-5, and the match lasted for five hours and 27 minutes.

Updated on: Jan 31, 2026, 06:28:19 IST

Written by Neelav Chakravarti

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Carlos Alcaraz's 2026 Australian Open semifinal victory against Alexander Zverev saw a medical timeout controversy in the third set. The timeout left Zverev fuming at the decision, and he ended up dropping an X-rated rant at the match supervisor Andreas Egli. Players are not allowed to take a medical timeout for muscle cramping.

Spain's Carlos Alcaraz gets medical attention during his men's singles semi-final match against Germany's Alexander Zverev. (AFP)

After the match, Alcaraz defended himself, stating that he didn't know if he was cramping or had suffered an injury when the timeout was called.

Also Read: ‘I hope I have enough gas’: Novak Djokovic on going toe-to-toe with Carlos Alcaraz in Australian Open final

"In the beginning when it was on a specific muscle, I didn't think it was cramp at all," he said.

"So I didn't know exactly what it was, because I just go around to a forehand and then I started to feel it just in the right adductor, so that's why I just called the physio.

"It was just that moment. The rest of the legs, the left leg was good, not good, but decent. After that with all the stress, I didn't know what's going on, didn't know if it's going to be worse or not.

"I talked to the physio. I said, okay, I just went to run to the forehand side, and I started to feel like the right adductor. He decided to take the medical timeout, and he did it.

"Then I just took I think the three [remedies] on the changeover, and that's it. I just told what happened, and he decided to take the medical timeout," he added.

It was an intense encounter as Alcaraz outlasted Zverev 6-4, 7-6 (7/5), 6-7 (3/7), 6-7 (4/7), 7-5, and the match lasted for five hours and 27 minutes.

Alcaraz will next face Novak Djokovic in the final, who defeated Jannik Sinner in the semifinals.

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

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