Carlos Alcaraz and Alexander Zverev have starred in one of the two semifinals of the Australian Open 2026. In a totally epic match that ended with victory for the Spanish player, for 6-4, 7-6(5), 6-7(3), 6-7(4) y 7-5the controversy also wanted to be the protagonist after Carlitos suffered cramps during the third set.
At that moment, the German tennis player reproached the supervisor and the chair umpire that the world number one could not be treated due to that physical problem. “He has cramps! What is this nonsense? He can’t go to the doctor, he has cramps!” What else could it be? This is complete nonsense! Foolishness! This is amazing!”Sascha himself assured the party supervisor.
However, the medical services attended to Alcaraz and the rest is history: a comeback attempt by Zverev, who managed to tie 2-0, and victory suffered in the fifth round for the Murcianwho thus enters his first final of the Australian Open to try to complete the ‘big four’ at just 22 years of age.
Boris Becker’s opinion
This controversial scene has been commented on by former players and experts of this sport, such as, for example, Boris Beckerwho did not hesitate to throw a ‘cape’ at his compatriot Alexander. “He’s absolutely right. Anyone would have been angry. He was the winner at that moment, because Alcaraz couldn’t continue playing. Carlos is an intelligent boy… he says he has a light puncture and is allowing time out due to injury,” he highlighted, just before pointing out that these situations would have to be closely monitored to avoid these types of misunderstandings.
“The chair umpire and the referee can’t know. Zverev thinks that Sinner and Alcaraz are protected in this type of case, and they should pay attention to the rules so that there is no difference between them and the rest of the tennis players. It was a world-class battle, but we have to address this issue… you can’t ask for a medical timeout for cramps,” Becker said. Now, the current world number one will face Novak Djokovic in the final for the title, who also defeated the current tournament champion, Jannik Sinner, in five sets.
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