Carlos Alcaraz's Outrageous Behind-the-Back Shot Steals the Show at US Open

Carlos Alcaraz pulled off one of the most outrageous shots of the US Open so far during his fourth-round match against Arthur Rinderknech on Monday, leaving fans inside Arthur Ashe Stadium on their feet.

Early in the opening set, the 22-year-old Spaniard found himself chasing a ball out wide on his right and looked in trouble. Instead of a desperate slice, he flicked a behind-the-back shot that somehow stayed in play. Rinderknech, clearly surprised that the point was not over, hit a volley into the net to hand the game to Alcaraz.

The Spaniard could not hide his delight, breaking into a wide grin as he looked up at his coach, Juan Carlos Ferrero, in the stands. He then cheekily placed a finger behind his ear, asking the fans for even more noise as the stadium erupted in applause. The moment helped him secure a love hold to level the score at 2-2, before he later edged the set in a tense tiebreak.

WATCH THE SHOT HERE

Alcaraz is aiming to reach his fourth straight Grand Slam quarterfinal of 2025, something he has never managed before. Victory today would also make him the youngest man in the Open era to reach 13 Grand Slam quarterfinals. It has already been a strong year for him — with a French Open title in June and a Wimbledon final appearance in July — and he is once again showing why he is considered one of the most entertaining players on tour.

Rinderknech, playing in the fourth round of a major for the first time, has not looked overwhelmed . The Frenchman has tested Alcaraz with big serving and strong baseline play, even if he could only shake his head at the brilliance of that trick shot.

With the New York crowd firmly on his side, Alcaraz will look to keep his focus as the match continues. But whatever happens, his behind-the-back winner has already gone down as one of the standout moments of this year’s tournament.