A weary Alexander Zverev described the decision to allow a medical timeout for a cramping Carlos Alcaraz in their epic Australian Open semi-final as “bullshit”, but did not want the matter to take the focus off the quality of their memorable encounter. Alcaraz clutched the inside of his right groin late in the third set and was moving gingerly – indicating either cramp or a more severe injury – and was allowed a medical timeout after seeking attention from the physio. “He was cramping, so normally you can’t take a medical timeout for cramping,” Zverev said. Given its quality, Zverev said he would prefer not to dwell on the medical timeout. Photograph: Quinn Rooney/Getty ImagesInstead, he expressed regret for not taking his chances in the second set, after he gave up a break when serving to level the match.

Source: The Guardian January 31, 2026 18:32 UTC