Zverev criticizes Alcarazs timeout during Australian Open semi-final loss

Spanish tennis player Carlos Alcaraz defeated German opponent Alexander Zverev in an Australian Open semifinal match that lasted over five hours. The match ended with Alcaraz winning 6-4, 7-6(5), 6-7(3), 6-7(4), 7-5.

During the third set, Alcaraz suffered a leg injury and was allowed to take a medical timeout for treatment on his right thigh. Zverev expressed dissatisfaction with the officiating of this timeout, stating that cramping is not typically an eligible reason for a medical break.

Alcaraz reported feeling tired after the match, but did not specify the nature of his injury. In contrast, Zverev acknowledged that he was exhausted throughout the match and had difficulty maintaining his performance.

Zverev’s post-match comments included criticism of the officiating during the medical timeout, as well as frustration with Alcaraz’s recovery time in the fifth set. Despite this, Zverev expressed pride in his ability to come back from a two-set deficit and praised Alcaraz for his impressive physical condition in the final set.

The match marked another near-miss for Zverev at the Grand Slams, as he fell short of winning his first major title.

Source: Al Jazeera