Featured Image Credit: Twitter/@rolandgarros
Topics: Tennis, Novak Djokovic, France
Jack Kenmare
Millions of fans around the world have just witnessed one of the greatest shots of all time. Carlos Alcaraz, the most exciting player in tennis right now, has left us in awe... again.
The 20-year-old Spaniard went up against in-form world number three Novak Djokovic on Friday afternoon in an eagerly-anticipated French Open semi-final.
After going 6-3 behind in the opening set, overwhelming favourite Alcaraz bounced back in the second with a moment of magic. The world number one sprinted to his baseline before delivering a forehand return completely blind.
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Moments later, the return sailed over the net and plonked itself right on the line.
How about this, then?
It was an effort 22-time Grand Slam winner Djokovic could only applaud as Alcaraz delivered a trademark smile at Roland Garros.
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Here's how fans on social media reacted to the shot.
One said: "The ability to sprint like this, catch up with the very good shot Novak hit, & hit a winner passing shot from this position just defied basic physics. Win or lose, this is greatness."
A second wrote: "The best point of the tournament. The best point of the year. One of the best points in tennis history. Absolutely INSANE."
A third commented: "The audacity to pull off this shot against Djokovic. Great to see Novak applaud it. The standard of tennis in this match so far has been ridiculous," while a fourth said: "One of the most insane shots I've ever seen."
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A fifth added: "Most players would have tried a hit and hope between the legs shot here just for the fun of it, but Carlos no doubt knew there was no chance of Novak letting him get away with that and had another, far better idea."
Alcaraz, who defended his title at the Madrid Open last month after beating Jan-Lennard Struff, went on to win the second set 7-5 after some thrilling tennis.
Ahead of his clash against Djokovic on Friday, Alcaraz said: "I would say this match is the one everyone wants to watch. It’s going to be a really good match to play and to watch, as well.
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"I really wanted to play this match; I always say that if you want to be the best, you have to beat the best. And Novak Djokovic right is one of the best players in the world.
“So it’s gonna be a really tough challenge for me, but I’m really looking forward to that match being played at such a great level.”
Djokovic added: "It’s definitely the biggest challenge for me so far in the tournament. If you want to be the best, you have to beat the best. He’s definitely a guy to beat here. I’m looking forward to that.”