'It was 5 seconds late...': Alcaraz loses temper, accuses umpire of favouring Djokovic

Spaniard Carlos Alcaraz lost his temper during the second set of his men's singles quarterfinal match against Novak Djokovic at the 2025 Australian Open.

The incident happened while Djokovic was serving at 3-1 in the second set, aiming to extend his lead after losing the first set 6-4. The umpire promptly called a let, but Alcaraz became infuriated by the delay during Djokovic's serves following the call. Though he acknowledged the let, Alcaraz argued that the call came after Djokovic had already halted his serve.

"It was five seconds late. It's crazy," Alcaraz said after the chair umpire admitted the error. "I know it's let, but you stopped when he stopped," he shouted three times. The crowd at Rod Laver Arena began booing the 21-year-old.

Alcaraz reached his 10th career Grand Slam quarterfinal, tied for the most by a man before his 22nd birthday, by advancing when 15th-seeded Jack Draper stopped playing because of a hip injury after dropping the first two sets Sunday afternoon.

Djokovic, who is being coached in Melbourne by old rival Andy Murray, did his part at night in Rod Laver Arena, needing to work a little longer but getting through just the same with a 6-3, 6-4, 7-6 (4) victory over No. 24 Jiri Lehecka.

Afterwards, Djokovic declined to do the customary on-court interview, instead holding the microphone himself and telling the crowd: “Thank you very much for being here tonight. I appreciate your presence and support. I’ll see you next round. Thank you very much.” Then he walked off.