Articles Lifestyle Mr Old Man My Superstition “Saved” Alcaraz from Zverev (!?) By Mr Old Man Posted on January 30, 2026 2 min read 0 0 51 Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Google+ Share on Reddit Share on Pinterest Share on Linkedin Share on Tumblr Alcaraz celebrates his semifinal victory over Zverev at the Australian Open on Rod Laver Arena in Melbourne, Australia, January 30. Photo: Reuters. Watching the semifinal between Carlos Alcaraz and Alexander Zverev, I was literally… getting chest pains. After winning the first two sets 6–4 and 7–6(5), it looked like Alcaraz was about to make minced meat out of Zverev. But no — Zverev suddenly came back, took the next two sets 7–6(3) and 7–6(4), and then even led 3–1 in the fifth set. At that point, I couldn’t take it anymore. So I did what I always do in moments of desperation — replayed my old superstition trick: turned off the TV. With a tiny, fragile hope: “If I stop watching… maybe something will change!” And then… oh my goodness — a miracle happened. Alcaraz not only escaped defeat but staged a stunning comeback, winning 7–5 in the deciding set. Heart-stopping stuff! I don’t watch Alcaraz very often, but strangely, whenever I do, I end up rooting for him. Maybe it’s because Alcaraz is the countryman of Nadal — my all-time favorite from the Big 3. So, just for fun… Saying that my “superstition” helped Alcaraz beat Zverev… is not entirely wrong, is it? __ Mr. Old Man, 30.01.2026