Did Carlos Alcaraz consider retiring mid-match against Alexander Zverev during Australian Open 2026 semi-final?
(Courtesy :Â @AustralianOpen/Twitter)
Carlos Alcaraz defeated Alexander Zverev in five-set thriller at Australian Open 2026 semifinal.
In one of the most dramatic semifinals in Australian Open history, Carlos Alcaraz’s battle against Alexander Zverev, sparked rumors that the World No. 1 might have contemplated retirement amid severe physical struggles.
The match, lasting 5 hours and 27 minutes, saw Alcaraz triumph 6-4, 7-6(5), 6-7(3), 6-7(4), 7-5 to reach his maiden Melbourne final, but not without moments that fueled speculation.
Alcaraz started dominantly, claiming the first two sets with his explosive play and tactical prowess. However, trouble emerged in the third set at 4-4, when he began limping and clutching his upper right leg, apparently suffering from cramps or a strain.
He called for the trainer, receiving a medical timeout for massages and pickle juice, which allowed him to continue despite reduced mobility.
The German capitalized, winning the third and fourth sets in tiebreaks, forcing a decider where he broke early and seemed poised for victory.
The rumor mill ignited during the fourth set, captured in a viral video as Alcaraz walks slowly across the court during a changeover, switching his racket to his left hand while appearing dejected and in pain. Zverev, waiting at the net area, pauses as if anticipating a potential handshake or retirement announcement.
Alcaraz then raises his hand in an apologetic gesture, seemingly signaling to Zverev that he wasn’t quitting and clarifying the misunderstanding.
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The moment suggested courtesy, Alcaraz letting Zverev cross first to his side, but Zverev’s expression indicated he briefly thought the match might end prematurely.
Post-match, the Spaniard firmly denied any retirement thoughts in his press conference, addressing the buzz head-on.
“I saw people talking about it. There wasn’t a single second that I thought about retiring. There were some times I let him go through before.
There were some moments he let me go first. It was just a normal thing. I think he thought that I was going to retire or something like that, but it wasn’t the case,” he explained, emphasizing mutual respect on court amid exhaustion.
Alcaraz’s resilience shone through as he broke Zverev twice in the fifth set, converting when the German served for the match at 5-4. Crediting unwavering belief, he said the encounter was one of his most demanding, pushing his five-set record to 15-1.
Now eyeing a career Grand Slam against Novak Djokovic, Alcaraz proved that even in his darkest moments, quitting was never an option.
Did Carlos Alcaraz consider retiring during his semifinal match?
No, Alcaraz firmly denied ever thinking about retirement. He stated that quitting was never an option despite his physical struggles.
Why did fans think Alcaraz might retire during the match?
A viral video showed Alcaraz walking slowly, switching his racket hand, and appearing exhausted, which led to speculation that he might be considering retiring.
What physical issues did Alcaraz face against Zverev?
Alcaraz suffered from cramps or discomfort in his upper right leg and required medical treatment, including massages and pickle juice, during the match.
How long did the Alcaraz vs Zverev semifinal last?
The match lasted 5 hours and 27 minutes, making it one of the longest semifinals in Australian Open history.
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Aniruddh Seshadri Iyer is a passionate sports journalist at Khel Now, specializing in tennis and Olympic sports. An engineer by training, he found his storytelling passion through iconic Grand Slam and Olympic moments. Known for sharp analysis and insightful coverage, he draws inspiration from Novak Djokovic’s resilience. Outside journalism, he enjoys reading, traveling, and playing the guitar.