Alcaraz Forfeits Game For Immediate Cramp Treatment During Djokovic Clash
Alcaraz Forfeits Game For Immediate Cramp Treatment During Djokovic Clash
Carlos Alcaraz took an unusual decision Friday at Roland Garros, where the World No. 1 suffered a severe bout of cramp early in the third set of his blockbuster semi-final clash against Novak Djokovic.
The Spaniard was struck by the cramp in his right calf as Djokovic converted game point to level for 1-1 in the third set of the pair’s meeting at the clay-court major. With another game left to play before the change of ends, Alcaraz was forced to make a tough call.
Novak Djokovic checks on his opponent Carlos Alcaraz as the Spaniard suffers from cramp during the pair’s Roland Garros semi-final on Friday. Photo: Getty Images
Rather than continue and risk causing further damage to his leg, the 20-year-old opted to forfeit his service game in order to receive immediate treatment from the physio on Court Philippe-Chatrier.
What The Grand Slam Rulebook Says About Muscle Cramping:
A player may receive treatment for muscle cramping only during the time allotted for change of ends and/or set breaks. Players may not receive a Medical Time-Out for muscle cramping.
Djokovic therefore held a 2-1 lead when the players returned to court, and the Serbian went on to clinch the set 6-1 as Alcaraz played on with his movement heavily restricted.