The Spanish star was left fuming during his clash with Novak Djokovic
Alcaraz was not happy with the decision(Image: TNT Sports)
Carlos Alcaraz was left furious during his Australian Open final clash with Novak Djokovic following a decision from tournament bosses to partially close the roof at the Rod Laver Arena.
After losing the first set 6-2 to Djokovic, the Spanish star found his feet and won the second by the same scoreline. However, he was left fuming before the third set got underway, as the decision was made to close the roof during the interval amid the threat of rain.
Tennis Australia bosses opted to shut the roof partially to protect the court from potential rainfall and high winds, but chose not to shut it completely to ensure it remained an outdoor event.
With the windier conditions set to favour Alcaraz over Djokovic, the 22-year-old was not happy at the decision, which was seemingly made without consulting the players.
Approaching chair umpire John Blom to voice his frustration, the Spaniard was heard saying: “Why is it closing? The player doesn’t know that, you know what I mean?”
After walking away from Blom, Alcaraz was seen speaking to tournament referee Wayne McEwen on the side of the court, but appeared to be annoyed further as he shook his head following the conversation.
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As Alcaraz fumed, Tennis Australia chief Craig Tiley was also seen on the side of the court, peering up at the roof and speaking on the phone.
The incident proved a big talking point ahead of the third set, with some pundits sympathising with Alcaraz and agreeing that the roof should be kept open if it is dry, with the tournament predominantly an outdoor event.
“I agree with Carlos,” former Wimbledon champion Pat Cash said on BBC Radio 5 Live’s coverage of the final. “If it’s not raining, open it. Carlos is very upset about it.”
TNT Sports pundit Tim Henman also questioned the decision, saying: “If it’s going to rain, why have they closed it so significantly?”
John McEnroe, meanwhile, argued that organisers should shut the roof in order to keep the standard of play at the highest level.
“I would like to see it closed,” he explained. “Only because I think the level of play will go up, because these winds are howling pretty good.”
Explaining the situation further, former Australian star Todd Woodbridge told Nine: “The radar says there’s no rain on the radar for at least 90 minutes or so but whether the roof closes is up to the referees.
“The other thing is there’s 40-50km/h winds — it is blowing an absolute gale out behind us. Now, if the roof is open, the court here is somewhat protected, but it will definitely make a difference on the ball striking early on in the match”.
In the end, however, Alcaraz got the last laugh as he triumphed over Djokovic and became the youngest man to complete a career Grand Slam, winning 2-6, 6-2, 6-3, 7-5.