Carlos Alcaraz has revealed the remedy he used to overcome a mid-match cramp during his semi-final win over Jannik Sinner.
In a battle between two of men's tennis' current flagbearers, Alcaraz came out on top of a seesaw match that began horribly for him but ended in delight and relief after four hours.
The reason for his joy is that Alcaraz agonized over a cramp, potentially wrecking his Roland Garros for a second year in a row, only to pull through. Last year, the Spaniard competed bravely against World No. 1 Novak Djokovic for two sets before his body betrayed him.
The 21-year-old would later disclose after the match that he was overwhelmed by nerves and tension, given the nature of the contest and the opponent he was facing.
And it seemed the same issue bothered him during the match against Sinner, 12 months to the day. This time, however, he would consume a small bottle filled with pickle juice just before the start of the fifth set. Coincidentally, Alcaraz played his best tennis down the stretch.
A member of Alcaraz's coaching team is quoted on Relevo as saying, "They are small bottles with pickle juice, plus salts and vitamins. He takes it as a prevention of possible cramps."
Consuming pickle juice has been proven to relieve muscle cramps much faster than water. Nutritionists believe the presence of vinegar in pickles prevents nerve signals that cause contraction of fatigued muscles that result in cramps.
Alcaraz took the drink for the first time, but it is common practice in elite sports, especially tennis. At the 2023 United Cup, Paula Badosa was given pickle juice by a trainer during a match against Harriet Dart after complaining of cramps. Once play resumed, the former WTA World No. 2 went on to win the match in three sets.
Alcaraz will pursue his third Grand Slam title on Sunday when he plays Alexander Zverev in the final. The German defeated Casper Ruud in the second semifinal in four sets.
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