Carlos Alcaraz revamps the backhand as he swings around the post to seal a magnificent move against Lorenzo Sonego at the Australian Open 

Such was the shot that even Lorenzo Sonego could not stop himself from applauding Alcaraz.

Carlos Alcaraz revamps the backhand as he swings around the post to seal a magnificent move against Lorenzo Sonego at the Australian Open 

Carlos Alcaraz hits a sliding backhand winner across the post (Images via X)

Spanish tennis ace Carlos Alcaraz is well-known for his skills and fitness. The 20-year-old is among the chosen ones on the tour who have been able to challenge Novak Djokovic. And an example of why Alcaraz gets so much attention and praise was seen during the Spaniard’s second-round match at the 2024 Australian Open.

The World No.2 stunned his opponent and the commentators with a sliding backhand, which too hit around the post. Such was the effort from Alcaraz that even Lorenzo Sonego could not stop himself from applauding the Spaniard. The Italian pat his hands on his racket to laud Alcaraz while the latter wore a big smile on his face.

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The incident took place in the fourth set of the match when the two players were tied, having won five games each. In the eleventh game, Alcaraz had already sealed two points and was returning a serve that was thrown really wide of the court by Sonego. After a volley, Alcaraz tossed the ball high forcing Sonego to go back in his court.

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The Italian returned the shot with a single backhand and the ball went far across Alcaraz’s left. It was then the Spaniard pulled off this unbelievable backhand. As the ball was far across, Alcaraz decided to hit it around the post rather than trying to get it over. To everyone’s surprise, the shot landed perfectly and resulted in Alcaraz winning another crucial point.

This outrageous shot from Alcaraz stunned the fans online. They were left admiring the 20-year-old for his supreme fitness and skills.

Carlos Alcaraz loved playing against Lorenzo Sonego

Carlos Alcaraz took on Lorenzo Sonego for the second time in his career and it was certainly better than their first meeting, especially for the Spaniard. While Sonego had eased past Alcaraz when they had faced each other at the Cincinnati Masters in 2021, the Spaniard reigned supreme this time around. But it was not an easy win for Alcaraz.

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Carlos Alcaraz and Lorenzo Sonego at 2024 Australian Open (Image via AusOpen X)

The 2023 Wimbledon champion had to sweat hard for a win against the Italian. Alcaraz took the first set comfortably, winning it 6-4 but Soengo came back storming in the second to win it 7-6 (3). Alcaraz once again took a lead in the third set as he won it 6-3. In the fourth set, the two players fought hard but Alcaraz eventually claimed it in the tiebreaker.

The Spaniard was happy to play such a high-intensity match. Alcaraz said that although the conditions were tough to play in, the two players put on a good show and he is happy about it. 

I’m really happy with my performance. Both of us played such a great level. High intensity. The match was tricky with the wind & sun. Today was tough to play your best… Even if I lost the 2nd set I think I played a good game. We put on a show. Both of us made good points.
Carlos Alcaraz said. (H/T: Australian Open)

Carlos Alcaraz will next take on wildcard entrant JC Shang in the third round.

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