WATCH: Controversial scenes as Alexander Zverev vs Tommy Paul Australian Open clash gets interrupted by feather; umpire call leaves German furious

Alexander Zverev's quarterfinal at the Australian Open against Tommy Paul saw a point bizarrely stopped due to a feather. The German was left stunned and furious at the umpire because of the call.

On Tuesday, January 21, Zverev took on Paul at the Rod Laver Arena for the event's first men's singles quarterfinal. The World No. 2 has been in fine form in Melbourne but was pushed to the limits by the American in the first set.

After winning 5 of their service games each, Paul broke Zverev to lead 6-5 at a crucial juncture. However, Zverev immediately broke back and sealed the set in the tiebreaker.

In the second set, Zverev got a warning for Audible Obscenity while he was on a breakpoint and Paul led 4-3, 30-40. The German was unhappy because a fan was apparently making a noise.

Later, an even more unexpected stop in play occurred when Paul led 4-2, 40-40. A small feather fell to the court while the point was being played and the chair umpire called 'let' as soon as it completed its fall.

Zverev was left furious because of the umpire's call. He approached the chair and pointed out several more feathers on the court and claimed to have not understood why he called this one. The German eventually rallied back into the set and won it via tiebreaker.

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Alexander Zverev defeats Tommy Paul, awaits Carlos Alcaraz or Novak Djokovic in the Australian Open SF

Alexander Zverev at the Australian Open 2025 - Source: Getty

After two close sets where Tommy Paul squandered his chances to win, the American finally bagged the third set against Alexander Zverev in their Australian Open quarterfinal. The fourth set, however, was a one-sided affair as the German registered a 7-6(1), 7-6(0), 2-6, 6-1 win.

In the semifinals, Zverev will take on the winner between Novak Djokovic and Carlos Alcaraz. During his post-match interview, Zverev was asked for his thoughts on the clash between these titans of the sport. He joked that it is an "absolutely boring matchup" before acknowledging the pair as some of the best tennis players.

"No, I mean, two of the best players that probably ever touched a tennis racket. Novak is the greatest of all time right now. Carlos is going to be one of them when he hangs it up. So it's a clash of generations," Alexander Zverev said.

"They have played Grand Slam finals before. They have played the Olympic finals last year, so it's a privilege to witness it here in Australia. So please guys do enjoy it, and I think it's going to be a great match," he added.

This will be the eighth battle between Djokovic and Alcaraz with the Serb leading their head-to-head 4-3.