Did Carlos Alcaraz pretend to retire at the 2026 Australian Open? Today, Friday 30 Januarythe Spanish tennis player reached the final of the Melbourne Slam by beating Alexander Zverev in the semi-final at the end of a marathon match lasting over five hours, in which there was no shortage of controversy. The Spaniard suffered cramps during the third set, calling a medical time out not permitted by the rules and provoking the anger of Zverev, who protested vehemently to the chair umpire.
With the passing of the points, after the treatment, Alcaraz regained strength and mobility, but continued to suffer from physical discomfort which limited him and effectively put the German back in the match, two sets down at the time of the cramps. During the fourth set, then, it seemed that the game had reached its conclusion. With the score 1-1 Alcaraz approaches the center of the court with his gaze lowered, carries the racket in his other hand and seems to approach Zverev to greet him.
Alcaraz really faked retirement.
Even the commentators were surprised:
“– Maybe Alcaraz was thinking of retiring, Chris.
– I thought the same thing, Patrick. Zverev was a bit confused there. Alcaraz gave Zverev a bit of an apology.”Shockingpic.twitter.com/oVC2gRE5gS
— Corvath Draemir (@Archaicmind3000) January 30, 2026
Even the German, confused, seems to think about the Spaniard withdrawing, but he approaches his bench and then prepares to receive. No withdrawal, therefore, with the gesture that further disoriented Zverev, who still managed to win the fourth set only to then lose in the fifth and decisive set.