Feature
The 16 greatest tennis matches in which cramps drew the drama
From the clay of Roland-Garros to the humid nights in New York, the history of tennis is littered with physical collapses that turned routine victories into legendary battles. Here are 16 times cramps dictated the narrative in the Open Era. Spoiler: two 2026 Australian Open matches are involved.
Alcaraz outlasts Zverev in legendary five-set epic to reach first Australian Open final
Carlos Alcaraz defeated Alexander Zverev 6-4, 7-6 (5), 6-7 (3), 6-7 (4), 7-5 on Friday after 5h27, to reach his first Australian Open final. The 22-year-old world No 1 overcame physical cramps and a 5-3 deficit in the deciding set to move within one victory of becoming the youngest man to complete a Career Grand Slam.
“You have to find a way to win in the era you are given” : why winning a major just as hard now as it was in days of the Big 3
Jo-Wilfried Tsonga claims it is easier to win a Slam now than when he was playing in the era of Federer, Nadal, and Djokovic. This statement needs to be challenged by facts and current players' viewpoints.
Unstoppable force: Rybakina navigates late tension to secure place in second Melbourne final
Elena Rybakina defeated Jessica Pegula 6-3, 7-6 on Thursday to reach her second Australian Open final vs. Aryna Sabalenka.
Jawdropping dominance: Sabalenka overpowers Svitolina to reach fourth straight Melbourne final
Aryna Sabalenka defeated Elina Svitolina 6-2, 6-3 on Thursday to secure her place in a fourth consecutive Australian Open final. The world No. 1 extended her 2026 winning streak to 11-0, moving within one victory of reclaiming her throne as the undisputed champion of Melbourne.
January 28, 1996: The day Boris Becker won his final Grand Slam title
Stone cold Sinner: Jannik sweeps Shelton to set up heavyweight semifinal with Djokovic
Weirdest AO match ever? Musetti injury propels Djokovic into 13th Melbourne semifinal
Rybakina halts Swiatek’s career Slam bid to be back in semifinals in Melbourne
« My level of the US Open was higher, but it’s pretty close »: In Australia, Alcaraz takes the lead toward glory with total coolness
Carlos Alcaraz masters Alex De Minaur to secure maiden Melbourne semifinal
Australian legends Cash, Rafter, Hewitt explain what Alex De Minaur needs to do to beat Carlos Alcaraz at Australian Open
The “sleeper” effect: How Carlos Alcaraz is building a first-class serve to serve his first-class ambition
Mature Shelton overpowers Ruud to reach third Melbourne quarterfinal
January 26, 2002: The day Capriati made Hingis crack in the Australian Open final
Beyond the flair: Musetti’s hard-court maturity seals quarterfinal set at the Australian Open
The ‘fun’ factor: How new formats are winning over the Tour’s toughest
Svitolina dismantles Andreeva to set up blockbuster Gauff quarterfinal
January 25, 1997: The day Swiss Miss Martina Hingis became the youngest ever Grand Slam champion
Alcaraz passes Paul test to reach third straight Melbourne quarterfinal