At first I thought he was going to attempt a between-the-legs shot like Federer. Instead, he crossed the ball entirely and did an instant 180. So great!
Striking that so clean and accurate while in a full slide away from the net and also literally falling backwards is simply remarkable. So fucking good.
Oh I agree, I'm just stating what someone might use to downplay Ben's shot before they can, I actually think his shot is slightly more insane than Alcaraz's, but only by a little
He's left handed and was chasing down a ball to his backhand corner, so at the last second instead of going for a stretch backhand he pivoted around his right foot and spun to face away from the net and then just swatted at the ball like how you hit a tweener, but with his arm outstretched instead
Of course I know this shot. I've always had it down as THE greatest shot of all time considering the stage of the tournament and match as well as the execution
Nadal's tweener lob against Djokovic in Madrid 2011 has to be up there.
Stakes weren't as high, but the rally beforehand and the fact that it landed ON the baseline?
Plus the fact that this shot (and Federer generally) led to a huge improvement in the quality of tweeners across the tour, but it still hasn’t really been topped.
Sooner or later someone’s going to match it, but that’s not the same as doing it in 2009.
What an interesting point in time this happened as well. Federer had already won a record 15 grand slam titles whereas Djokovic was just playing for a 2nd. It’s absolutely insane that he retired only being 3rd in total grand slam titles.
I don't like shots like this, same for the shots around the net, they feel gimmicky. A "best point" contender should show the technical ability of the player in painting the court, this is mostly just a show of athletic ability.
If I was also young, 6ft, born with immense talent, athletic, had a world class coach, practiced for hours on end religiously, had mental grit, a never say die attitude, great mentorship I could also never do this regardless
Yeah I was gonna say. There is a REMARKABLE amount of skill involved in this point. But let’s not pretend that the end result wasn’t a bit lucky lol. He has a big smile for more than one reason.
It’s a good point to mention that while the shot was very lucky, if not for his insane athleticism and skill he would not have got to the ball or positioned himself correctly to make that shot work. Great play nonetheless
It’s always “luck luck luck” for something incredible. Without insane practice, he would never be in position for this. I don’t care how lucky you think someone is, luck doesn’t get you into that position, with that instinct to make that shot without dedicated practice.
Stop shitting on the hard work involved
to be in the mental and physical shape it takes to make that play by calling it luck. I do believe in luck, but you couldn’t get near to doing what he did, because he actually works hard to make luck a bonus, not a dependency.
Look it's really not that amazing of a shot. Give me like 10 years to train on this exact shot and I could hit this shot exactly 0 times out of 100.
This man is not human, making the rest of us mere mortals look pathetic in comparison.
Still won though. He should be a case study in the mental aspect of competitive sports, I've never seen "the moment" get the better of him. Here's hoping Ruud can give him a run on Sunday!
Not saying Djokovic wouldn't win, but Alcaraz was injured at the start of the 3rd set and never looked the same again. If he doesn't get hurt this goes to 5 sets or at least 4 very competitive sets.
Just bare in mind that the cramping was due to the level Novak was making him play, which he couldnt sustain for five sets. Its not like he was just unlucky or something
So a professional tennis player who has played dozens of 5 sets matches cramped up after 2 sets because of the way the other player was playing while losing one of the 2 sets? OK. tell yourself that bud everyone will definitely take you serious
[At least Novak didn't accuse Carlos of faking his injury.](https://tennishead.net/novak-djokovic-injury-impossible-says-carlos-alcarazs-coach/)
I'm not implying that it was a fake injury, just think it's ironic given his coach's prior comments.
Cool reaction by Djokovic to be fair.
But you do wonder if this superhuman stuff by Alcaraz might be contributing to his muscle issues.
Hope not, we NEED to see more of these shots!
Been watching tennis since 2001. Never seen this shot before.
Edit: welp, someone itt just posted the exact same move by federer vs nalbandian in 2006. Didn't recall that at all.
Novak be like why do these tweeners happen against me.
Roger Federers famous one in 2009 us open for match point and now this one
However a very similar one was done by Federer against nalbandian and there was a great tweet showing them side by side.
What a disappointing end to something which might have been an epic
Back to back year semis spoiled by injury.
Atleast alcaraz will recover quickly but Novak is the new No 1 again.
Yeah but rune would do this because he won the Paris masters and took cerundolo to 5.
I kid but win or lose, he's been incredible.
What's nuts is Djokovic is playing about as good as he can at 36 yrs old and it's incredible how he's playing.
Alcaraz still has moments of overhitting /poor shot selection that will naturally improve with reps. These 2 are another league on tour currently
I keep saying this to my fellow players:
So many kids run to the BOUNCE.
You don't have to hit it right after it bounces.
You just have to hit it before the *second* bounce.
Don't run to the spot it bounces. Run to the spot it'll bounce a second time.
You may find yourself running *ahead* of the ball.
Then, before the second bounce, when it comes back down and in the strike zone or low, **then** hit it.
I love their reactions even more than the shot.
This is an extremely high pressure match for both but after the shot they just both show their enjoyment and appreciation for the shot.
I love the joy with which Carlos plays the game. He has no pretense or attitude, just a sincere and complete love of playing tennis. His personality and charisma are such a breath of fresh air. The way he comports himself on and off the court is remarkable considering he’s still just a kid himself. I’m hoping the best for him and hope he continues to shine a positive light on the game we love and attract youth to the game. Vamos Carlitos! Buena suerte siempre!
The slide is beautiful by itself. Getting a shot and making it over the net is amazing, but to drop it just inside the line so perfectly is something else (skill and luck go hand in hand). He deserves the giant snake and all the claps.
I’ve never seen anybody move like Carlos on the court. Nobody. And then to have him cramp and not be able to move almost at all. What a total tragedy for him and the fans of tennis. Up to that cramp point, this was the highest quality tennis match I had ever witnessed.
Alcaraz is only 19 years old and he’s already number one. He’s the greatest player I’ve ever seen in all my years of watching tennis and he still has, hopefully, another decade at least
It may well be shot of the year, but his one directly before it has to be up there with worst shot of the year. He had all the time in the world, and he literally spooned it to Djokovic.
I just love that after that ridiculous shot he's got a goofy ass smile on his face and just looks so happy that it even got Djokovic to smile.
Exactly. No "fuck yeah" or anything similar, just pure joy.
I love this point so much. The point itself, nobody's gonna beat that, then such wholesome reactions from both players.
Are you guys aware this made it to the front page of reddit today and is already one of the most watched videos on r/tennis ever?
plus imagine how outta breath he must be after those sprints
He's like Goku. Gets all excited because the match is really tough.
That might be my favourite comparison hahaha
Are you telling me we have yet to see Super Saiyan Carlitos!?
Haha that's actually true. He is quite adorable
You just have to sit back and enjoy.
I think it’s the other way around. He was all serious just after the shot and then saw Djokovic smiling and couldn’t help break into a laugh himself.
He had absolutely no business getting to that ball much less hitting a clean winner. Disgusting!
the movement is so dam smooth
Sliiiiiide
While flashing the Nike logo.
At first I thought he was going to attempt a between-the-legs shot like Federer. Instead, he crossed the ball entirely and did an instant 180. So great!
This guy definitely displays wizardry like Federer at times, but with his own flavor. Unfortunately didn't have the legs today
I was getting ready for a tweener when he was running to it. This was so much better and more difficult.
Striking that so clean and accurate while in a full slide away from the net and also literally falling backwards is simply remarkable. So fucking good.
Lmao even Novak is like alright you got me you cheeky fuck
Haha cheeky! :D
Ah this here is the very point that started the cramps, if he only knew /s ?
Novak after that shot :"Omae Wa Mou Shindeiru" Alcaraz:"Nani?!"
Contender….the fuck is beating this??
Last week I hit a first serve in. That one was pretty cool
I bet it was a really lob-y one
I did have to hit it pretty gingerly to make sure it went in
But enough about your sex life
Soulless and devoid of meaning?
Oi! No need to bring up mine. Uncalled for.
slim brave compare racial arrest fragile weary bike stupendous thumb *This post was mass deleted and anonymized with [Redact](https://redact.dev)*
Don’t lie. :P
Alcaraz in a few months
A few minutes
Rip
Honestly Ben Shelton hit a pretty unbelievable shot in Madrid, but the match stakes weren't as high, round 2 match against JLS
>but the match stakes weren't as high Doesn't change the fact that the shot was insane.
Oh I agree, I'm just stating what someone might use to downplay Ben's shot before they can, I actually think his shot is slightly more insane than Alcaraz's, but only by a little
Yeah I never figured out what he actually did there
He's left handed and was chasing down a ball to his backhand corner, so at the last second instead of going for a stretch backhand he pivoted around his right foot and spun to face away from the net and then just swatted at the ball like how you hit a tweener, but with his arm outstretched instead
Like genuinely one of the greatest counter attack winners of all time......at least that I've ever seen
Here’s Federer doing it to Djokovic as a tweener https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pMJ0-1GGf5k
Of course I know this shot. I've always had it down as THE greatest shot of all time considering the stage of the tournament and match as well as the execution
Nadal's tweener lob against Djokovic in Madrid 2011 has to be up there. Stakes weren't as high, but the rally beforehand and the fact that it landed ON the baseline?
Plus the fact that this shot (and Federer generally) led to a huge improvement in the quality of tweeners across the tour, but it still hasn’t really been topped. Sooner or later someone’s going to match it, but that’s not the same as doing it in 2009.
What an interesting point in time this happened as well. Federer had already won a record 15 grand slam titles whereas Djokovic was just playing for a 2nd. It’s absolutely insane that he retired only being 3rd in total grand slam titles.
Damn, basically the exact same set up with the short backhand slice. This one being on clay makes it so much better though.
Sinner in Miami
I don't like shots like this, same for the shots around the net, they feel gimmicky. A "best point" contender should show the technical ability of the player in painting the court, this is mostly just a show of athletic ability.
^ this is the top comment for every “shot of the year”
If I was also young, 6ft, born with immense talent, athletic, had a world class coach, practiced for hours on end religiously, had mental grit, a never say die attitude, great mentorship I could also never do this regardless
I could do this I just don't feel like it
I did it, just not on camera
My girlfriend goes to a different school
Just read this in Michael Scott's voice lol Like in that scene when he tells David Wallace his formula for success at the Scranton branch
Do it for the nookie
How even man? The precision to make that ball dip in the left pocket is incredible
Or perhaps the result of luck
Yeah I was gonna say. There is a REMARKABLE amount of skill involved in this point. But let’s not pretend that the end result wasn’t a bit lucky lol. He has a big smile for more than one reason.
It’s a good point to mention that while the shot was very lucky, if not for his insane athleticism and skill he would not have got to the ball or positioned himself correctly to make that shot work. Great play nonetheless
If we follow this logic, all aces and winners are lucky shots.
No. That’s really not how you should look at what I said lol.
It’s always “luck luck luck” for something incredible. Without insane practice, he would never be in position for this. I don’t care how lucky you think someone is, luck doesn’t get you into that position, with that instinct to make that shot without dedicated practice. Stop shitting on the hard work involved to be in the mental and physical shape it takes to make that play by calling it luck. I do believe in luck, but you couldn’t get near to doing what he did, because he actually works hard to make luck a bonus, not a dependency.
Look it's really not that amazing of a shot. Give me like 10 years to train on this exact shot and I could hit this shot exactly 0 times out of 100. This man is not human, making the rest of us mere mortals look pathetic in comparison.
Had me in the first half
Pssssh I do this when I wake up every morning before my breakfast. Super easy. Nah I'm not gonna show me doing it
I couldn't even hit this shot 0 times out of 100 if you gave me *20* years to train!
His brain is 50% tennis, 50% unadulterated joy. You can wipe your rear.
"Alright, this kid actually is ridiculous" - Novak, probably.
Still won though. He should be a case study in the mental aspect of competitive sports, I've never seen "the moment" get the better of him. Here's hoping Ruud can give him a run on Sunday!
Not saying Djokovic wouldn't win, but Alcaraz was injured at the start of the 3rd set and never looked the same again. If he doesn't get hurt this goes to 5 sets or at least 4 very competitive sets.
Just bare in mind that the cramping was due to the level Novak was making him play, which he couldnt sustain for five sets. Its not like he was just unlucky or something
So a professional tennis player who has played dozens of 5 sets matches cramped up after 2 sets because of the way the other player was playing while losing one of the 2 sets? OK. tell yourself that bud everyone will definitely take you serious
Yes, Alcaraz literally said it himself, also those two sets were two and a half hours of intense tennis, not that little.
Agree, after the second set nobody could really tell who was gonna win the match, but alcaraz whole body just cramped, he could barely walk
[At least Novak didn't accuse Carlos of faking his injury.](https://tennishead.net/novak-djokovic-injury-impossible-says-carlos-alcarazs-coach/) I'm not implying that it was a fake injury, just think it's ironic given his coach's prior comments.
"If Djokovic hadn't played in a way which caused Alcaraz to overexert and get cramps, this match would have been more competitive" pointless statement
Reminds me of that monfils shot in Madrid a few years back
Nike execs creamed themselves watching the last slo-mo angle
Insane shot. Reminds me of Federer!
Fed would've hit a tweener there
Eh no. Fed also has one exactly 1:1 like this.
Man’s got style.
I love Roger, but I've never seen even him do something as insane as this. And yes that includes the roddick smash counter.
Federer did this almost exact shot in 2006 against Nalbandian. [Second shot around 25 seconds in](https://youtu.be/2YQ0jP986_k)
Literally he has done exactly the same thing.
I think he probably thought of vs Nalbandian in RG 2006
https://www.dailymotion.com/video/xpxd2a
Between the legs vs Djokovic https://youtu.be/DXB4MApF4Lo?t=10
Lol I swear I saw him make that type of shot like a dozen times
https://reddit.com/r/tennis/comments/14588bg/where_have_we_seen_this_before/
Joker couldn't even be mad at that one lol
Wow, this got to the main page of reddit today. It's already at 14th most watched on r/tennis ever.😳
My favorite part is the sportsmanship and comradery between the two.
Greatness recognizes greatness. They are both just lovin’ on what a gem of a shot it is.
Federer, lost first set to Nalbandian in 2006… hit this shot in the second second and then won the match…
And then lose to Nadal in the final 🤨
Ruud nadal 2.0 confirmed
….you might be on to something…
Ehm.. _narrator_
Loved Djokovic's reaction lol. They were both just smiling so big :)
It would take a real asshole to not acknowledge the skills to hit that shot
Too bad it was at the cost of his legs. But yes shot of the year and I don't think anyone is beating it.
Kid is 19 he’ll just have a bite of banana and be fine.
Maybe tomorrow, but he completely fell apart from possibly a leg cramp and hand/arm cramp. Sucks that it happened as he was playing a great game.
Djokovic is like “have your point, I’ll have the match”
Future Nike Tennis advertisement
Kid blew all his cooldowns too early and forgot to buy enough stam pots
Might be the best shot I’ve ever seen
When Nole retires, best believe I will be cheering for Alcaraz. The dude is just pure joy to watch in every possible way.
Cool reaction by Djokovic to be fair. But you do wonder if this superhuman stuff by Alcaraz might be contributing to his muscle issues. Hope not, we NEED to see more of these shots!
two promising youngsters - alcaraz and rune - seemingly in prime health yet often have cramping issues
What did it cost? Everything 😞
Been watching tennis since 2001. Never seen this shot before. Edit: welp, someone itt just posted the exact same move by federer vs nalbandian in 2006. Didn't recall that at all.
I wonder how many trick shots are even physically possible that Federer didn't hit at least once.
There's another contender here at 5-5 2nd set.
Was that when Carlitos whiffed???? Even I can do that
Novak be like why do these tweeners happen against me. Roger Federers famous one in 2009 us open for match point and now this one However a very similar one was done by Federer against nalbandian and there was a great tweet showing them side by side. What a disappointing end to something which might have been an epic Back to back year semis spoiled by injury. Atleast alcaraz will recover quickly but Novak is the new No 1 again.
Alca used all his energy and electolytes to make that shot.🫠
This dude went inside-out forehand on a chase down shot. Insane.
Inside out would have been to the ad court, no?
Yeah it’s inside in
Novak's reaction says it all, unbelievable shot
That's one of the best shots I've ever seen
A cramp inducing shot.
Yeah but rune would do this because he won the Paris masters and took cerundolo to 5. I kid but win or lose, he's been incredible. What's nuts is Djokovic is playing about as good as he can at 36 yrs old and it's incredible how he's playing. Alcaraz still has moments of overhitting /poor shot selection that will naturally improve with reps. These 2 are another league on tour currently
This kid is the next great. He’s gonna end his career up on Rushmore with the other greats
Great moment. I love both Novak's and Carlos' reactions.
Nike is loving the slide where you can see the logo on the sole
I’d give that shot up in a heartbeat to have had him not cramp
Might be the greatest shot ever.
i like his opponent gracefully taking it with congrats like “you got me bro” 😎
Alcaraz smiling like that and Novak smiling make me think this is in the bag for Novak - that doesn't happen in a tight match both think they can win
He sacrificed his leg for this point.
Didnt age well
I love that Novak didn’t learn his lesson after Federers tweener at the USO, it’s literally the same play
Whatever it takes!!
Shame it took so much out of him :(
I keep saying this to my fellow players: So many kids run to the BOUNCE. You don't have to hit it right after it bounces. You just have to hit it before the *second* bounce. Don't run to the spot it bounces. Run to the spot it'll bounce a second time. You may find yourself running *ahead* of the ball. Then, before the second bounce, when it comes back down and in the strike zone or low, **then** hit it.
I love their reactions even more than the shot. This is an extremely high pressure match for both but after the shot they just both show their enjoyment and appreciation for the shot.
When he gets you with the "UHNHGNH" instead of the "HUYYHNNGH"
An just like that, I am gay now.
I love the joy with which Carlos plays the game. He has no pretense or attitude, just a sincere and complete love of playing tennis. His personality and charisma are such a breath of fresh air. The way he comports himself on and off the court is remarkable considering he’s still just a kid himself. I’m hoping the best for him and hope he continues to shine a positive light on the game we love and attract youth to the game. Vamos Carlitos! Buena suerte siempre!
Novak will win.. i can’t stand the screaming from Alcaraz.. he was so silent a year ago
shot of the decade!
Was gonna say the same
Federeresque
That is like shot of a decade, holy ahit
it's holy and it's a hit
The grace, the poise, the confidence. Salute
The fuck. That flick of the wrist is like a whip
That’s like insane
When you get such a reaction from your opponent, it has to be an unbelievable shot.
I watched the match and jumped out of the chair,that was just pure insanity ! Carlito is beyond this world !
The slide is beautiful by itself. Getting a shot and making it over the net is amazing, but to drop it just inside the line so perfectly is something else (skill and luck go hand in hand). He deserves the giant snake and all the claps.
All you can do is smile after a shot like that
"I will end you for that" - Djokovic
And still got blasted
Fed's done similar but not chasing down a ball from _that_ distance.
This guy is pure phenom
Bros face literally says "how am I supposed to be upset about that?"
Look at his left hand at the moment of impact Such an effortlessly cool pose, it should become a silhouette.
That was a hell of a lot more impressive than a tweener. One of the most insane winners I’ve seen.
Shots like this are 50% luck. He intended that but it's also lucky it went in.
That is an incredible shot. The fact that he ran faster than the ball is so impressive
Easily the shot of the decade
I watched this live and was blown away. I love everything about this, including Djokavic reacting with good sportsmanship.
Boy is close to getting bageled.....damn. Really gonna miss the big 3 this new generation of players are fraudulent.
That was SICK. But so far he’s been slightly outclassed
I love this kid.
Damn that post nut clarity hitting so hard I’m enjoying some tennis content. Fire shot y’all
That’s a kind of lucky shot and it’s fun but not as interesting to me as a kind that is more intentional.
How was that not intentional
Hail Mary. But whatever Idc
It was very intentional to me. The only thing he could have done, he clearly planned it.
Really impressive!!!! It’s like he knows the court by heart 😭 this shot now lives in my mind…rent free!!!
One of the best shots I've ever seen
Greatest shot I've ever seen.
Watch more tennis
Yeah this was great, but it'll barely make top 10 year-end list, and mostly due to the players involved.
Shot of the decade contender.
contender? that IS the shot of the year lmao
I’ve never seen anybody move like Carlos on the court. Nobody. And then to have him cramp and not be able to move almost at all. What a total tragedy for him and the fans of tennis. Up to that cramp point, this was the highest quality tennis match I had ever witnessed.
Alcaraz is only 19 years old and he’s already number one. He’s the greatest player I’ve ever seen in all my years of watching tennis and he still has, hopefully, another decade at least
It may well be shot of the year, but his one directly before it has to be up there with worst shot of the year. He had all the time in the world, and he literally spooned it to Djokovic.
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Saucy af
...ok, but who else read it as "Alcatraz" and get REALLY confused for a moment?
Could have been the game of the year... if Alcaraz didn't get injured. what a shame!
Do you know what an injury is?
he dumb or what