Did Carlos Alcaraz get special treatment in the Australian Open semi-final? What the specialists say
Article by Mihai Șovei – Published Friday, January 30, 2026, 1:29 p.m. / Updated Friday, January 30, 2026 1:50 p.m.
Carlos Alcaraz (22, #1 ATP) and Alexander Zverev (28, #3 ATP) put on quite a show on Friday morning in the longest semi-final in Australian Open history. The Spaniard won 6-4, 7-6 (5), 6-7 (3), 6-7 (4), 7-5 in 5 hours and 27 minutes to qualify for the final act in Melbourne.
A controversial moment came in set number 3. Alcaraz was given a medical time-out, Zverev complained and said the rules did not allow such an intervention for cramps.
In reality, there is a scenario that warrants a medical break for cramps if they are part of the effects of excessive heat. Alcaraz also threw up in that set.
Zverev, harsh reaction to Alcaraz's medical time-out » Analysts' reaction: “It's very difficult to say what it was”
Mats Wilander and Barbara Schett, Eurosport analysts, spoke about the controversial topic.
“He received a massage on the calf of his right leg. It is very difficult to say whether it was cramps or something else, a contracture. Not even Carlitos could know. He overcame the pain, I'm surprised he was able to hold on, as he showed in the 3rd set. He needed time to recover, even if this respite was consumed inside the points,” said Mats Wilander (former ATP #1 and 7-time Grand Slam winner).
Carlos Alcaraz had problems in the semifinal with Zverev // photo: Imago
“I'm convinced she suffered from muscle cramps. Otherwise, she wasn't recovering. She moved very slowly in set 3, then. It was a controversial moment, however you look at it, it's clear that Zverev was not at all happy with what happened”, said Barbara Schett (former #7 WTA).
The German Zverev was convinced that there were no other problems and that it was definitely about cramps, at which point he accused his opponent of cheating: “It's cramps. It's unbelievable that he can be treated for cramps. This is stupid. You always protect these two guysSascha referred to his opponent, but also to Jannik Sinner.
Following this match, Alcaraz reached his first Australian Open final. He will play in the final on February 1 against the winner of the duel between Novak Djokovic and Jannik Sinner.
Carlos Alcaraz / photo: Instagram
