Alcaraz denies bending rules in Australian Open classic

Carlos Alcaraz says he did not bend the rules by taking a medical timeout during his Australian Open semi-final against Alexander Zverev – who suggested the Spaniard had benefited from favouritism.

Spain’s Alcaraz seemed to be cramping at 5-4 in the third set and was allowed to see the physio, even though Grand Slam rules say players are not allowed medical timeouts for muscle spasms.

Players can take a three-minute timeout for physical injuries or illness but not for cramping, which is regarded as a conditioning problem rather than a medical issue.

Alcaraz, 22, went on to lose the set before winning a five-hour classic 6-4 7-6 (7-5) 6-7 (3-7) 6-7 (4-7) 7-5 as the Australian Open finally sparked into life.

“I didn’t think it was cramp at the beginning,” said Alcaraz, who will play either Jannik Sinner or Novak Djokovic in Sunday’s final.

Despite attempting to play down the issue, Alcaraz glugging pickle juice – an acidic liquid found to stop cramping 40% faster than drinking water – was a sure sign that it was an issue.

Germany’s Zverev was furious as he remonstrated with the match supervisor, accusing the officials of giving Alcaraz preferential treatment.

Afterwards, third seed Zverev reiterated he “did not like” the decision before adopting a more conciliatory tone.

‘Cabeza, corazón y cojones.’

If you don’t understand Spanish then it is perhaps better you search online for the literal translation of the motto which Alcaraz abides by.

In summary, the phrase means the ability to show head, heart and courage in times of difficulty.

Once again, Alcaraz showed all three qualities when he dipped deep into his reserves to beat Zverev and reach a first Australian Open final.

Top seed Alcaraz said quitting the match never entered his head, adding: “I just hate giving up”.

Alcaraz has ‘CCC’ tattooed on his wrist – a tribute to the family phrase coined by his grandad and drummed into the six-time major champion when he was a child.

After battling past Zverev to keep his quest to become the youngest man to win the career Grand Slam alive, he prodded his chest to show the victory came from the heart.

Alcaraz has already shown his penchant for achieving the extraordinary, most notably when he recovered from two sets down – and saving three championship points – against rival Sinner in last year’s French Open final.

“When I was younger, there were a lot of matches that I just didn’t want to fight anymore or I gave up. Then I got mature,” he said.

“I hate that feeling [of giving up] after all.

“Every step more, every one second more of suffering, one second more of fighting is always worth it.