CARLOS ALCARAZ produced one of the tennis shots of his life during an epic semi-final clash with Novak Djokovic in Paris.
Spectators on Court Philippe-Chatrier – which included former heavyweight boxing champion Mike Tyson – were left in awe by the brilliance shown by the young Spaniard at the French Open.
Carlos Alcarez pulled off this incredible shot
Somehow Alcarez managed to hit a winner against Novak Djokovic
Novak Djokovic was so impressed he applauded the shot
Novak Djokovic salutes the audacity of Carlos Alcarez
It was in the third game of the second set when Djokovic must have thought he had won the point when he had floated the ball over Alcaraz.
At this point, Alcaraz, 20, had no option to sprint backwards towards the baseline in a vain attempt to retrieve the ball.
Somehow, while sliding away from the net, he had enough power and flexibility on the turn to strike a forehand winner off the baseline that hit the line.
It was an outstanding piece of tennis – one of the best shots we had seen at this year’s tournament. Perhaps even for many years.
Alcaraz, who won the US Open last year in New York, raised his arm in salute.
Djokovic, 36, who has hit some decent shots in his time, stood at the net and applauded the effort, realising there was very little he could do about it.
It had fans up on their feet and it was one of those moments that went instantly viral on social media.
Sky Sports darts commentator Emma Paton retweeted the footage off the Roland Garros account with the caption: “Loooool.”
Djokovic, who called for the trainer during the second set, is aiming to win a record 23rd major title of his career, which would take him one above Rafa Nadal.
Alcaraz won their previous encounter in Madrid in May 2022 and is trying to become the new King of Clay in the absence of the injured Nadal.
Mike Tyson at Roland Garros on Friday
