&imwidth=800&imheight=600&format=webp&quality=medium "AO 2026 | WATCH - Zverev 'angry' as Alcaraz takes medical timeout for cramps in semis")
Carlos Alcaraz was two sets up and leading in the third set as well when cramps hit him during the Australian Open 2026 semi-final vs Alexander Zverev on Friday (Jan 30). The Spaniard was visibly uncomfortable and even took a medical timeout, something which did not go down well with his opponent. When Alcaraz was getting treatment for what appeared to be cramps in his right thigh, Zverev was engaged in a heated conversation with match officials. The German took advantage of the situation and went on to win the third and fourth set, both in tie-breaker, to push the match into the fifth set which at one point looked like will be over in straight sets.
Zverev gets angry as Alcaraz gets treatment for cramps
Alcaraz was 5-4 up in the third set when he took the medical timeout and Zverev was clearly not happy about it. The German had animated and what appeared to be angry discussions with the match officials about the situation. After the timeout, Zverev won the third set and the fourth as well against a gingerly walking Alcaraz. Have a look at angry Zverev below:
The German, however, could not overcome the Spaniard as Alcaraz beat Zverev 6-4, 7(7)-6(5), 6(3)-7(7), 6(4)-7(7), 7-5 to enter his maiden Australian Open final.
Also Watch: AO 2026 | Moment when Alcaraz's win vs Zverev in semis became almost certain on road to final
The Spaniard had already lost his two-set advantage after Zverev won the third and fourth set and the German was up 3-2 in the final set as well but Alcaraz had the last laugh. The 5-and-half hour thriller saw three sets going to the tie-breaker except first and last one, highlighting the epic battle fans and the crowd witnessed. It was the longest semi-final in the Australian Open history and Alcaraz is now the youngest player to enter the final of all four grand slams in open era history. Alcaraz will now be looking to win his first AO title and become the youngest to complete the career grand slam, having already won the French Open, Wimbledon, and US open twice each.
