Carlos Alcaraz sent social media into a tailspin Wednesday night when he produced one of the best shots of all-time during his US Open quarterfinal.
The young Spaniard, who is widely regarded as the best up-and-coming player on the ATP Tour, had Arthur Ashe on their feet when he produced an incredible behind-the-back return in his match with Jannik Sinner.
His Italian opponent had smashed the ball back at him with a shot that looked destined to win the point, before a jumping Alcarez defied the odds and gravity with a twisting backhand to return the ball.
Not only that, but the 19-year-old then went on to win the point with his next return, leading to the crowd giving him a standing ovation.
Perhaps unsurprisingly, Twitter was awash with praise for the No. 3 seed after watching his New York heroics, with some calling it the best shot they had ever seen.
Carlos Alcaraz fired eye popping back return in Q/final clash with Jannik Sinner
One viewer noted: ‘Carlos Alcaraz just hit the greatest shot I’ve ever seen in my life,’ while another added: ‘It’s almost midnight on the East Coast and Carlos Alcaraz is hitting circus shots in the US Open.’
On a wider point, the US Open’s official account then summed up the feelings of many by tweeting: ‘If this match is the future of men’s tennis, we are in for a great era ahead.’
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Sinner is also just 21, with the pair set to go head-to-head for many years to come, while the era of Rafael Nadal, Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic nears its conclusion.
The pair were facing off in the US Open quarterfinal for a place in the last four and a matchup with the last American standing, Frances Tiafoe.
Heading into the match on Wednesday night, Alcaraz was the highest seed left in the men’s singles, with Daniil Medvedev and his countryman Rafael Nadal having both been knocked out earlier in the tournament.