Carlos Alcaraz led 2-0 in sets and had a 5-4 lead in the third when he felt pain in his right adductor and asked the physiotherapist to intervene, which led to a medical timeout. Zverev was unable to hide his frustration and criticized referee Marijana Veljovic: “Why didn’t you let the clock run? It’s cramps, why don’t you speed up the time?”
Veljovic tried to explain his decision: “I can’t know if it’s cramps or an injury.”
The German, a finalist defeated in 2025 against Jannik Sinner, was not satisfied: “They are always protecting these two!” said Zverev, referring to Alcaraz and Sinner.
At the press conference after the victory in five sets (6-4, 7-6, 6-7, 6-7 e 7-5)Alcaraz explained in detail what happened. «I felt a problem in my right adductor when I ran to the right. I didn’t know if it was a cramp or something else, so I called the physical therapist. He decided to ask for a medical timeout. I just said what I felt. After five and a half hours, it is normal for the body to not be in the best condition. An ice bath, therapies and recovery follow. I hope it’s nothing serious and that you’re ready for the final.”
