Alexander Zverev had a massive chance to defeat world no. 1 Carlos Alcaraz at the Australian Open.
The German served for the win in the tenth game of the final set before experiencing a 6-4, 7-6, 6-7, 6-7, 7-5 loss.
😭😭😭 #zverev #alcaraz #AustralianOpen https://t.co/N0JUVpP1uA pic.twitter.com/Y3kMCaOvcF
— flop | #ausopen (@adamiswasted) January 30, 2026
The two great rivals threw everything at each other, with Carlos battling hard despite dealing with physical issues since the third set. The Spaniard experienced cramps and the pain in his right thigh, vomiting and asking for a medical timeout.
It raised controversy and Zverev's harsh comments toward the supervisor. The German reminded everyone that you can not receive a medical timeout for cramps, although his rival had other issues as well.
Speaking about Alcaraz's medical timeout after the match, Zverev admitted he did not like that at all, calling it an awful decision. However, he classy left that narrative behind and turned the focus back on one of the most thrilling Australian Open battles ever.
Carlos did an incredible job to raise above the problems and survive after five and a half hours. he got broken only once in sets three, four and five, hanging in and finding a way to bring the victory home.
Carlos Alcaraz, Australian Open 2026© Stream screenshot
Alexander claimed an early break in the decider and moved closer to the finish line. However, he lost steam and struggled on serve from game four. The Spaniard sprayed costly errors on break points in three straight return games.
Finally, he stepped in and clinched a break at 4-5 when Zverev served for the win. Carlos gained a boost of energy and provided another break in game 12 to emerge at the top and reach his first Australian Open final.
"Yeah, well, I had cramps, and you can not usually call a medical timeout for cramps. I did not like it, but it was not my decision. I just said it was awful. But honestly, I do not want to talk about it right now because I think this was one of the best battles ever played in Australia. That does not deserve to be the talking point right now," Alexander Zverev said.
