As the physio attended to Alcaraz during a medical timeout (MTO), Zverev could be heard protesting angrily, accusing officials of double standards and preferential treatment.
“It’s unbelievable that he gets treated for cramps; it’s bullsh*t. You are protecting these two guys all the time.”
The Germans’ comments were widely interpreted as a reference to Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner, the two dominant forces in men’s tennis over the past year.
The incident unfolded at a pivotal stage of the match, with Alcaraz leading two sets to one and closing in on his first-ever Australian Open final.
Carlos Alcaraz vs Alexander Zverev – how it unfolded
World No.1 Alcaraz took early control of the contest, claiming the opening set 6-4 as Zverev struggled with his serve, committing multiple double faults. The second set followed a more dramatic arc. Zverev surged to a -2 lead, only for Alcaraz to claw his way back, breaking serve to force a tie-break, which he won 7-5 to move two sets clear.
The momentum shifted in the third set when Alcaraz appeared to be physically uncomfortable, at times limping between points. Zverev capitalised on the dip, pushing the set into another tie-break and finally halting the Spaniard’s run to pull one set back.
It was during this phase- with Alcaraz showing visible signs of discomfort and the stakes at their highest – that the medical timeout became the flashpoint.
Medical timeouts explained: why cramps matter in tennis
Under Grand Slam and ATP regulations, medical timeouts are permitted only for treatable medical conditions such as injuries or acute illnesses that arise during play. Crucially, general fatigue, dehydration, and muscle cramping caused by exertion are classified as non-treatable conditions.
Players experiencing cramps may be assessed by medical staff, but treatment is not allowed if the condition is ruled to be exercise-related. The determination rests solely with the tournament’s medical professionals, not the chair umpire or the opposing player.
In Alcaraz’s case, officials allowed the physio to proceed, indicating that the condition was deemed medical rather than a simple cramp – a judgement Zverev clearly disputed.
Why was Zverev angry with Alcaraz?
For players, medical timeouts are among the most contentious moments in tennis. They can disrupt rhythm, halt momentum, and offer valuable recovery time in matches where margins are razor-thin.
Zverev’s outburst reflected more than just irritation at the stoppage. It tapped into a deeper grievance, the perception that top stars are given the benefit of doubt in borderline situations, while others are held to a stricter standard.
Whether Alcaraz’s condition met the threshold for treatment will remain a matter of interpretation. What is clear is that the episode added another layer of tension to an already charged semi-final.