Carlos Alcaraz showed once again why he’s considered one of tennis’s most complete players, pulling off a whimsical, almost magical shot to advance at the US Open 2025. In the round of 16 against Frenchman Arthur Rinderknech, the Spaniard demonstrated the full spectrum of his game—forehand at its best, a solid backhand, deft drop shots, and sharp volleys—before delivering an improbable behind-the-back moment that left the crowd at Arthur Ashe Stadium on its feet.
Alcaraz’s rivals rarely have a chance to breathe when he’s on, and the match showcased why: his forehand is perhaps the best weapon on the circuit, his backhand reliable, and his net play among the sharpest. The extraordinary point came late in the rally when Rinderknech had already beaten him to the net. With the point seemingly slipping away, Alcaraz improvised in real time, swinging the ball behind his body to the opposite side. The surprise shot found its mark, forcing Rinderknech into a poor volley and keeping the point alive in spectacular fashion. The moment drew smiles from Alcaraz and his father and earned a standing ovation from the Ashe crowd.
This kind of improvisation is not new for Alcaraz. A very similar scenario once occurred in 2022 during a quarterfinal against Jannik Sinner, another chapter in what has become a defining rivalry. In that match, after a backhand pass, Alcaraz fought on to win the rally and the set, eventually taking the match and moving on to claim his first Grand Slam title and become the youngest world No. 1 in tennis history.
Alcaraz’s latest shot underscores not only his extraordinary athletic talent but also his ability to seize momentum with creativity on demand. It’s a reminder that his game combines technical precision with fearless improvisation, a combination that continues to thrill fans as he pursues more deep runs at this year’s tournament and beyond.
Summary: In the US Open 2025 round of 16, Carlos Alcaraz wowed spectators with a behind-the-back shot after an extended rally against Arthur Rinderknech, illustrating his wide-ranging shot-making and composure under pressure. The moment echoes a 2022 clash with Jannik Sinner, cementing a defining rivalry and highlighting his trajectory toward multiple Grand Slam successes and continued ascent to the top of the sport. Positive and forward-looking, this display reinforces Alcaraz’s status as a creative, clutch competitor on tennis’s biggest stages.