Carlos Alcaraz insists he did nothing wrong by taking a medical timeout during his Australian Open semi-final against Alexander Zverev, despite criticism from the German player.
Alcaraz, 22, appeared to cramp at 5-4 in the third set but was allowed to see the physio, even though Grand Slam rules generally forbid timeouts for cramping, which is considered a conditioning issue rather than an injury. He later lost the set but went on to win a five-hour epic 6-4 7-6 (7-5) 6-7 (3-7) 6-7 (4-7) 7-5.
Zverev was frustrated by the decision, accusing officials of favouring Alcaraz, but later chose not to dwell on the controversy. Alcaraz, meanwhile, prepared for the final against either Jannik Sinner or Novak Djokovic.
