French Open 2023: Carlos Alcaraz wows crowd with 'out of this world' shot from 'outrageous angle'

ByDan Quarrell

Published 29/05/2023 at 17:30 GMT

Fans knew to expect Carlos Alcaraz to do something spectacular at the 2023 French Open, but they perhaps did not anticipate seeing what could very likely be the shot of the entire tournament in just the third set of his opening match. The Spaniard had to both laugh and hold his hand up to his opponent, Flavio Cobolli, such was the outrageous brilliance of the shot he produced.

Carlos Alcaraz produced a shot that was so unbelievably good it had his opponent Flavio Cobolli throwing his arms up in disbelief at the 2023 French Open.

The precocious talent electrified Court Suzanne-Lenglen with his dominant play in storming through the opening set with a bagel and then pulling away comfortably to only concede two games in the second as he established a commanding lead.

Cobolli, to his immense credit, responded superbly at the start of the third set to challenge his opponent and force him to work extremely hard for every point, but then the Spaniard found another gear when it mattered to pull away once more.

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At 3-2 down and serving at 15-15, Alcaraz produced a shot that was so spectacular it not only had the Parisian fans on their feet in appreciation, but it left his opponent totally stunned by what he had seen.

Starting from behind the baseline, the lightning fast Alcaraz was drawn to the net by a tasty drop shot from Cobolli and getting to the ball itself was only the start of it.

Somehow, the Spaniard scooped an outrageous shot cross-court to win a point that he had absolutely no right snatching away from his baffled opponent.

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Both players laughed at the brilliance, while Alcaraz needlessly apologised for the winner, if only to commiserate with Cobolli, who was left utterly bewildered.

"Another gem!" exclaimed Barry Cowan, on commentary for Eurosport at the time.

"That is absolutely ridiculous. Look how he plays it."

Naomi Cavaday agreed: "That was out of this world good!

"That was the best shot I’ve seen at the tournament so far. It might end up being the best one when we come to the end of the event.

"An outrageous angle that didn’t look possible. That is laughably good."

• Alcaraz 'once in a lifetime player' - Robson likens star to Federer, Nadal, Djokovic
• Djokovic playing tennis 'on his terms' at French Open says Henman
• Djokovic celebration gets mixed reaction - 'Not sure what the boos are about'

Alcaraz 'means business' as he wins opening set with bagel

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Stream the 2023 French Open live on discovery+, the Eurosport app and at eurosport.com

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