In the quarterfinal of the US Open Carlos Alcaraz and Ben Shelton decided that ordinary tennis was too boring, and for a few seconds turned the match into a real action comedy.
One of the rallies turned out to be absolutely crazy. Both players dashed around the court as if they were not playing a Grand Slam quarterfinal but running an obstacle course at full speed. The balls flew to the most awkward spots, each subsequent shot looked as if it was impossible to reach, but both somehow kept the ball in play.
The climax came when Alcaraz sprinted after a lob, crashed to the court, and then instantly jumped up with a broad smile, as if all of it was part of a carefully planned show.
It was at that moment that it became absolutely clear: this was no longer just a tennis rally. It was a little performance with drama, a chase, a fall, and a hero who gets up smiling as if nothing had happened.
Even John McEnroe was not indifferent and called this episode one of the greatest rallies he had ever seen.
From the outside, it all looked as if tennis had momentarily forgotten it was tennis and decided to be an attraction with elements of survival.
For the spectators — delight.
For the commentators — a celebration.
For the players — perhaps a slight shock and very heavy legs.
But it is precisely for such moments that sport is loved: when a single rally suddenly becomes not just a point, but a separate little film. And yes, in this film Alcaraz clearly performed the stunt without a stunt double. 😄
