Archive · 1 Feb 2026
Mouratoglou Defends Alcaraz on Cramps Controversy
Patrick Mouratoglou, a famous tennis coach, defended Carlos Alcaraz after Alexander Zverev accused Alcaraz of getting special treatment for cramps during their Australian Open match.
Mouratoglou said that in tennis, the rules are not always followed strictly, especially when it comes to cramps.
He explained that players who cramp usually get medical help, even though the rules say they shouldn't.
Mouratoglou compared this to when coaching was not allowed but was still tolerated.
He also said that if a rule is ignored all the time, it doesn't mean anything anymore.
He believes that if Alcaraz hadn't received treatment, that would have been the real scandal.
Patrick Mouratoglou defended Carlos Alcaraz against Alexander Zverev's claims of special treatment for cramps during their Australian Open semifinal.
Mouratoglou argued that the rules on cramping are often ignored in practice, with players usually receiving medical attention despite the rules.
He compared the situation to pre-legalized coaching, where it was tolerated even though it was against the rules.
Mouratoglou highlighted that if a rule is consistently ignored, it loses its value.
He stated that denying treatment for cramps would be cruel and that not treating Alcaraz would have been the real scandal.
- Who
- Patrick Mouratoglou, Alexander Zverev, Carlos Alcaraz
- What
- Controversy over Alcaraz receiving treatment for cramps during Australian Open semifinal
- When
- During the Australian Open semifinal, with Mouratoglou's comments posted on LinkedIn
- Where
- Australian Open, Melbourne, Australia
- Why
- Zverev claimed Alcaraz received special treatment, Mouratoglou defended Alcaraz and criticized inconsistent rule application
- Person Involved
- Patrick Mouratoglou, Alexander Zverev, Carlos Alcaraz
- Event
- Australian Open Semifinal
- Issue
- Special treatment for cramps
- Mouratoglou's Stance
- Defends Alcaraz, criticizes inconsistent rule application
- Rulebook vs. Reality
- Mouratoglou argues reality often differs from strict rules
- Medical Timeouts
- Not allowed for cramps, but often granted for injuries
- Coaching Comparison
- Mouratoglou compares to pre-legalized coaching tolerance
- Rule Value
- Mouratoglou says rules lose value if consistently ignored