Alcaraz explains controversial medical timeout that annoyed Zverev – Tennis Now
Carlos Alcaraz didn’t know what was wrong with him in the third set. The physical therapist failed to do so, opting to call a medical timeout to treat what ultimately turned out to be cramping.
That’s what the Spaniard told reporters after his epic 6-4, 7-6(5), 6-7(3), 6-7(4), 7-5 victory over Alexander Zverev in Melbourne on Friday night. Alcaraz took a medical timeout after the ninth game of the third set; at that time, Zverev was furious.
“This game was really demanding, but obviously when I had cramps before, and it was just in one specific muscle at first, I didn’t think it was cramps at all at first. So I didn’t know exactly what it was because I just turned to my forehand, and then I started feeling cramps in my right adductor, so that’s why I just called the physical therapist because at that moment, the rest of the leg, the left leg was fine. I mean, not great, but not bad.”
According to Alcaraz, he initially thought it might be an adductor injury.
“You know, after that, because I didn’t know what was going on, I didn’t know if it was going to get worse. At that point, I just talked to the physical therapist. I said, ‘Well, I just ran to the forehand side and I started to feel my adductor right. He decided to get a medical timeout, and he did.’ I just told the physical therapist what happened and he decided to get a medical.”
Zverev later said he really didn’t want to discuss the issue anymore.
“I just say that’s bullshit, basically because – I don’t remember. To be honest, it was 17 hours ago (joking about the length of the fight) and I don’t really remember it, but I’m sure someone has video and you can check it out. But, to be honest, I don’t want to talk about it right now because I think it’s one of the best fights Australia has ever had. It doesn’t deserve to be a topic right now.”
Alcaraz improved his five-set record to 15-1 with the win.
“Honestly, obviously my body will be better, but I think that’s normal after five and a half hours. Hopefully it won’t be nothing, but after five and a half hours of racing and a high level of fitness, I think the muscles are going to be tight and I have to do everything I can to perform at my best in the final.”
