Carlos Alcaraz's behind-the-back shot helps him reach US Open quarterfinals

"Carlos Alcaraz hit a behind-the-back shot at the U.S. Open to win a point in a 7-6 (3), 6-3, 6-4 victory over Arthur Rinderknech on Sunday that made the Spaniard the youngest man in the Open era to reach 13 Grand Slam quarterfinals. Sometimes, I practice it. I'm not going to lie, the No. 2-seeded Alcaraz said about the bit of wizardry he delivered in the first set. But I mean, I don't practice it, like, too many times. Just in practice, if the opportunity is there, I will try. In the match, it's kind of the same. If I have the opportunity, why not? At 22 years and 3 months old, Alcaraz is about 6 months younger than Boris Becker was when he got to major quarterfinal No. 13."

"Early on against Rinderknech, a Frenchman who played college tennis at Texas A&M, Alcaraz closed a love hold that made the score 2-all in spectacular fashion. Moving to his right at midcourt, Alcaraz found himself in what appeared to be a bad spot when Rinderknech wrong-footed him. But Alcaraz wrapped his racket around his body and flicked a shot up the line (see it here). Perhaps startled that the point wasn't over, Rinderknech hit a volley that landed in the net."

Carlos Alcaraz defeated Arthur Rinderknech 7-6 (3), 6-3, 6-4 to become the youngest man in the Open era to reach 13 Grand Slam quarterfinals. Alcaraz produced highlight shots, including a behind-the-back flick and a no-look passing winner, that energized the crowd and helped secure the first-set tiebreaker. The Spaniard practices such shot-making occasionally and attempts it opportunistically during matches. Alcaraz celebrated by smiling at coach Juan Carlos Ferrero and acknowledging the spectators. His next opponent will be No. 20 Jiri Lehecka, who advanced after defeating Adrian Mannarino 7-6 (4), 6-4, 2-6, 6-2.

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