India, Jan. 31 -- Carlos Alcaraz had to battle for five hours and 27 minutes to edge past Alexander Zverev in their 2026 Australian Open semifinal, in Melbourne on Friday. The Spaniard came out on top, winning 6-4, 7-6 (7/5), 6-7 (3/7), 6-7 (4/7), 7-5. But it wasn't an easy match for Alcaraz, and he had to rely on grit and experience. He also suffered cramps during the match and had to take a medical timeout in the third set.

The match umpire gave Alcaraz extra time between points in the ninth game, and he received treatment from the physio. According to the rules, players can't receive a medical timeout for cramps, and Zverev launched an X-rated rant at the officials. Meanwhile, the chair umpire stated that she was trying to determine w...