Alexander Zverev’s hopes of winning a Grand Slam title took another huge blow today, as he was beaten by Carlos Alcaraz in the Australian Open semi-finals.
He can take great heart in engaging in one of the tournament’s most impressive battles, but will feel aggrieved that he was unable to take full advantage not only of his physically hampered opponent, but also his lead in the deciding fifth set.
The German left the court to a deservedly warm reception from Rod Laver Arena, who recognised the greatness they had just witnessed.
However, perhaps the key flashpoint from the clash was during that third set, where Carlos Alcaraz’s physical struggles began.
Alexander Zverev has now spoken for the first time since the Spaniard was allowed a medical time-out for his cramps; a practice not normally afforded to those without an official injury.
Alexander Zverev’s honest thoughts on Carlos Alcaraz’s medical time-out
Speaking at his Australian Open press conference, the German was keen not to be dragged into a war of words over what he felt was a moment of injustice.
After all, it was clear how he felt about it during the match, with many cameras picking up his expletive-filled frustration aired to the umpire.
Were the Australian Open too lenient with Carlos Alcaraz?
Zverev has since claimed: “Yeah, I mean, he was cramping, so normally you can’t take a medical timeout for cramping, yeah. What can I do? It’s not my decision. I didn’t like it, but it’s not my decision.”
Asked what he said, he then added: “ I just said it was b———-, basically, because…
“I don’t remember. To be honest, it was 17 hours ago (smiling), and I don’t quite remember, but I’m sure somebody has it on video and you can check.
“But, to be honest, I don’t want to talk about this right now, because I think this is one of the best battles there ever was in Australia. It doesn’t deserve to be the topic now.”
Alcaraz has been questioned for being allowed the medical time-out, suggesting that Zverev’s frustration may be a valid one.
John and Patrick McEnroe react to Alexander Zverev’s loss to Carlos Alcaraz
Although it might not have been as dramatic as some of his other collapses throughout his career, this still marks a huge opportunity spurned for Zverev to claim that coveted Grand Slam title.
Speaking live on ESPN after the match, John McEnroe offered his thoughts on the match: “Zverev looked down. He had issues last year as Sinner. He sort of went away, but all of a sudden, it seemed out of nowhere, Alcaraz started cramping.
“It is hot down here, boys, a lot different from the weather on the East Coast and in America. Most of America. So the conditions can be tough, and it really got to Alcaraz. I thought he was toast, to be honest, in that third set, he couldn’t move at all. He tried to weather it.
“Luckily for him, it got later in the day and started to cool off. He was up two sets. He’s got a great five-set record, but having said that, Zverev had this match won; he took charge early in the fifth. His serve was huge. He had a chance to serve it out. That’s the type of match that you don’t forget for years to come.
“But I remember Patrick, when I was playing matches like this, I thought to myself, ‘Why the hell am I still out here in the fourth or fifth hour, still playing?’ So I give these guys a lot of credit; it made me proud as an ex-tennis player to see those two guys go at it.
Has Alexander Zverev just blown his last chance to win a Grand Slam?
Patrick McEnroe then added: “Yeah, you’ve got to feel for Alexander Zverev, who gave absolutely everything he had.
“It was a remarkable performance just to give him a chance to win it in that fifth set. But we saw Alcaraz do it in Paris at the French Open final. He was down, and he seemed to be out against Sinner. Came from behind to win that one.”
Receive exclusive tennis news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
