- Carlos Alcaraz took down Jannik Sinner in a historic 5-hour US Open quarterfinal match on Wednesday.
- The 19-year-old hit a jaw-dropping behind-the-back shot before winning a point in the second set.
NEW YORK — Carlos Alcaraz survived a historic five-hour US Open quarterfinal match that stretched into the early hours of Thursday morning.
And in exchange for keeping fans awake until the crack of dawn, the 19-year-old superstar put on a show worth staying up for.
Alcaraz shined under the bright lights of Arthur Ashe Stadium as he defeated Italy's Jannik Sinner 6-3, 6-7 (7-9), 6-7 (0-7), 7-5, 6-3 to advance to his first-ever Grand Slam semifinal. Nearly every point throughout the five-set thriller showcased the poise, athleticism, and undeniable talent of tennis' next generation of superstars.
But one shot in particular was so dazzling, mystifying, and awe-inspiring, it earned a mid-game standing ovation from the New York City crowd.
While working to force a tiebreak in the second set, Sinner delivered a 126-mph serve to the corner of the box that Alcaraz had to lunge to return. As the Spainard regained his footing and sprinted back to the center of the court, Sinner wisely attempted to force Alcaraz to change directions with his placement of the ball.
Instead — to everyone's surprise — the teenage sensation leapt into the air and ripped a behind-the-back return that flew across the court and over the net. Sinner volleyed a shallow shot back, but the speedy Alcaraz managed to charge the net and hit a backhand pass to miraculously win the point.
The tens of thousands of fans on site in Flushing Meadows rose to their feet in awe. Even Juan Carlos Ferrero, the former world No. 1 who coaches Alcaraz, shook his head in utter disbelief.
Check out the mind-boggling shot below: