NEW YORK — In a breathtaking display of athleticism and creativity that has come to define his meteoric rise, Carlos Alcaraz left not just the Arthur Ashe Stadium crowd but his opponent, Emma Raducanu, utterly astounded during their third-round clash at the 2024 US Open. The moment of magic, an impossible around-the-net-post winner, instantly became the undisputed highlight of the tournament and a strong early contender for point of the year, showcasing the audacious talent that makes the young Spaniard must-see television.
The stage was set on a vibrant Saturday night, with the spotlight firmly on a dream match-up between two of the sport's youngest Grand Slam champions. Raducanu, the 2021 US Open winner, was playing some of her most confident and aggressive tennis since her historic title run. Alcaraz, the two-time major champion and defending champion, was in a typically destructive mood. The contest was finely poised, with both players trading heavy blows from the baseline in a captivating display of power and precision.
The Point That Stopped the Tournament
It occurred deep in the second set, with Alcaraz leading 4-2 but facing a determined challenge from the Briton. At 15-15 on the Alcaraz serve, Raducanu unleashed a fierce cross-court backhand that sent the Spaniard scrambling wide beyond the doubles alley on his forehand side. Seemingly out of the point, Alcaraz lunged, somehow whipping a dipping passing shot that forced Raducanu to the net. She responded with a smart, angled volley that pulled Alcaraz even further off the court, seemingly sealing the point.
What happened next defied belief and physics. With the net post between him and the open court, Alcaraz, already at a full sprint, did not attempt a lob. Instead, he took his racket back and whipped a ferocious forehand with immense topspin, not over the net, but around the outside of the net post. The ball curved through the air, landing sharply inside the singles line and shooting past a completely stunned Raducanu, who could only stare in disbelief.
The immediate reaction in the stadium was a collective gasp, followed by a deafening roar. Alcaraz celebrated with his trademark roar and wide smile, acknowledging the sheer improbability of what he had just done. Raducanu’s reaction, however, was perhaps the most telling testament to the shot's quality. She broke into a wide, incredulous smile, shaking her head and putting a hand to her forehead as if to say, "What am I supposed to do against that?"
Reactions: Awe and Disbelief from the Tennis World
The point immediately went viral across social media platforms, with fans, pundits, and fellow players struggling to find the words to describe it. Tennis legend Andy Roddick, commentating for the tournament, summed up the feeling on broadcast, exclaiming, "That is just not a shot you see! The audacity to even try it, let alone pull it off!"
On-court interviewer Prakash Amritraj later asked Alcaraz about the shot. The young champion, still buzzing with adrenaline, explained his thought process: "In practice, I try those shots sometimes for fun. But in a match, you have to be a little bit crazy to go for it. I saw the opportunity and I just went for it full power. I’m so happy it went in."
Raducanu, ever the gracious competitor, was full of praise in her post-match press conference. "You just have to laugh," she said. "I mean, it’s ridiculous. I thought I had him with the volley. I was already moving to the other side. To even think of that shot, let alone execute it… that’s why he’s No. 1 in the world. It was unbelievable."
Breaking Down the Anatomy of an Impossible Shot
While the shot seemed like pure instinct, its execution relies on a rare combination of factors that Alcaraz possesses in abundance:
- Unmatched Court Coverage: His explosive speed allowed him to even reach the ball.
- Incredible Hand-Eye Coordination: To make clean contact on a ball so far out of position.
- Immense Topspin and Power: The heavy topspin is what brought the ball down into the court.
- Fearless Mindset: The confidence to attempt a low-percentage shot on a crucial point.
- Spatial Awareness: An innate understanding of the geometry of the court and the ball's trajectory.
More Than a Highlight: A Statement of Intent
While the shot secured a single point, its impact was far greater. It served as a psychological dagger, a stark reminder to Raducanu and every other player in the draw of the unique problems Alcaraz can create. It broke Raducanu’s rhythm and momentum, and Alcaraz rode the energy from the crowd to secure a 6-4, 6-3, 7-5 victory, advancing to the second week of his title defense.
This moment is emblematic of the new era Alcaraz is ushering in. He plays with a joyful, attacking flair that hearkens back to a different time, yet is powered by a modern, physical game. He is not just winning points; he is creating art on the court. These moments of genius, whether a blistering winner, a delicate drop shot, or an impossible angle, are becoming a regular feature of his matches, making him one of the most electrifying athletes in the world.
The point also highlights the respect and camaraderie between the new generation of players. Raducanu’s ability to appreciate the shot, even as it was hit against her, speaks volumes about her character and the health of the sport. It was a moment of shared astonishment between two rivals, united by their appreciation for a level of tennis that borders on the supernatural.
A Lasting Legacy in a Single Point
In years to come, when highlights of the 2024 US Open are shown, this point will undoubtedly be at the forefront. It will be replayed alongside other iconic "around-the-post" winners in tennis history, but its context—on the biggest stage, between two major champions, executed with such ferocious power—sets it apart. It was more than a point; it was a declaration.
For Carlos Alcaraz, it was a statement that his box of tricks is bottomless and that he is playing with a confidence that knows no bounds. For Emma Raducanu, it was a frustrating but unforgettable lesson in the sheer ceiling of her opponent's game. And for tennis fans around the world, it was a gift: a perfect, jaw-dropping reminder of why we watch sports, forever waiting for that next moment of impossible brilliance.