Explained: Temporary Suspension Of Carlos Alcaraz Vs Tommy Paul At Australian Open

Last Updated:January 25, 2026, 10:57 IST

Carlos Alcaraz and Tommy Paul's Australian Open match at Rod Laver Arena paused for a medical emergency before Alcaraz won the first set in a tense battle.

Carlos Alcaraz plays a backhand return to Tommy Paul (Picture credit: AP)

Six-time Grand Slam champion Carlos Alcaraz’s fourth-round match at the Australian Open against 19th seed Tommy Paul saw a temporary suspension after a spectator in the stands at the Rod Laver Arena fell ill. At the time, Alcaraz and Paul were deadlocked in the first set 6-6 and 3-3 in the tiebreak.

The medical emergency became apparent when nearby spectators alerted Australian Open support staff and called for immediate medical assistance.

Heat has been severe in Melbourne and one would assume that the spectator’s illness stemmed from it.

“AO support, we need your help," some spectators screamed when Alcaraz and Paul were changing ends during the tiebreak.

Play was halted for about 14 minutes and when Alcaraz and Paul were cleared to resume, both players asked the chair umpire for two minutes to warm up again. Alcaraz clinched the first set 7-6 (8-6) despite having gone behind early on in the contest after Paul broke him in the very first game.

After searing heat close to 40°C disrupted play on Saturday, January 24, conditions eased to a cool 22°C at Melbourne Park as the tournament entered its business end.

Alcaraz followed Aryna Sabalenka onto centre court to take on Paul after warning he was getting ‘better and better’.

Alcaraz has never progressed beyond the quarter-finals in his four previous appearances at Melbourne Park, with the Australian Open remaining the only Grand Slam missing from his growing collection.

Alcaraz is bidding to become the youngest man to win the career Grand Slam of all four majors.

Should Alcaraz get past Paul, either the sixth-seeded home hope Alex de Minaur or Kazakhstan’s 10th seed Alexander Bublik will be waiting for him.

Bublik and de Minaur headline the night session on Rod Laver Arena.

Three-time finalist Daniil Medvedev survived a five-set fright in round three and could face another marathon against up-and-coming American Learner Tien.

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