French Open 2023: Carlos Alcaraz produces tennis shot of the year in semi-final loss to Novak Djokovic

Young Spaniard Carlos Alcaraz left everyone in awe – including opponent Novak Djokovic – during the French Open semi-final with the best tennis shot of the year. Watch it now.

Carlos Alcaraz produced one of the tennis shots of his life during an epic semi-final clash with Novak Djokovic in Paris.

Spectators on Court Philippe-Chatrier – which included former heavyweight boxing champion Mike Tyson – were left in awe by the brilliance shown by the young Spaniard at the French Open.

It was in the third game of the second set when Djokovic must have thought he had won the point when he had floated the ball over Alcaraz.

At this point, Alcaraz, 20, had no option to sprint backwards towards the baseline in a vain attempt to retrieve the ball.

Somehow, while sliding away from the net, he had enough power and flexibility on the turn to strike a forehand winner off the baseline that hit the line.

Carlos Alcaraz played the shot of the year in the French Open semi-final against Novak Djokovic. Picture: Clive Brunskill/Getty Images

Djokovic could only smile and applaud. Picture: JULIEN DE ROSA / AFP

SHOT OF THE YEAR FROM CARLOS ALCARAZ! 🇪🇸 pic.twitter.com/10Y38213ne

— Olly 🎾🇬🇧 (@Olly_Tennis_) June 9, 2023

Federer in the 2006 Roland Garros semis.
Alcaraz in the Roland Garros 2023 semis. pic.twitter.com/9zOoIkkHux

— imam hulagur (@imamhulagur) June 9, 2023

It was an outstanding piece of tennis – one of the best shots we had seen at this year’s tournament. Perhaps even for many years.

Alcaraz, who won the US Open last year in New York, raised his arm in salute.

Djokovic, 36, who has hit some decent shots in his time, stood at the net and applauded the effort, realising there was very little he could do about it.

It had fans up on their feet and it was one of those moments that went instantly viral on social media.

Djokovic, who called for the trainer during the second set, is now on course to win a record 23rd major title of his career, which would take him one above Rafa Nadal, after winning in four sets 6-3, 5-7, 6-1, 6-1.

Alcaraz got cramp early in the third set and though he carried on, Djokovic won 12 of final 13 games to ultimately cruise through.

Djokovic won in four sets after Alcaraz battled cramp. Picture: Julian Finney/Getty Images

The Serb said afterwards said: “I have to say tough luck for Carlos.

“Obviously at this level the last thing you want is cramps and physical problems in the late stage of a Grand Slam.

“I feel for him. I feel sorry. I hope he can recover and come back quite soon.

“I told him at then net, he is young, he has plenty of time left.

“He will win this tournaments many times.

“He is an incredible competitor, a very nice guy, he deserves all the applause and support.

“It’s tough for him to not know whether should retire or finish the match. Congratulations for the fighting spirit.

“We pushed each other to our physical limit. I didn’t feel fresh at all. We went toe-to-toe. It was an even match. But when he had cramps, it was a different match.

“I tried to stay focus, to stay present, I could see he was struggling. Respect to him. I hope he comes very quickly. I am proud to reach another final.”