India, Sept. 4 -- Alexander Zverev and Quentin Halys were locked at one set apiece in their US Open 2026 second-round clash, with the German trailing 4-1 in the third set. Halys had two break points and looked ready to extend his advantage when Zverev suddenly asked the umpire if he could change his shoes.

The timing could hardly have been more awkward. Halys was up a break and putting Zverev under pressure. The umpire even warned him, saying, "It would be better if you didn't do it now."

Zverev, however, was keen to make the switch.

"Can I? Quickly?" he asked.

"Yes," came the response.

Zverev was then allowed to make the quick footwear change before returning to the court. While the timing was far from ideal, the umpire confirmed th...