CARLOS ALCARAZ performed an incredible act of sportsmanship during his four-set French Open victory over Ben Shelton.
The Spaniard, 22, is the reigning champion at Roland Garros but faced a tricky fourth round contest against the big-serving American.
Alcaraz saved three set points in the first set to take it 7-6, winning a gruelling tiebreak 10-8.
At 30-30 in the opening game of the second stanza, the two-time Wimbledon champion rushed towards the net following an approach shot to Shelton’s backhand.
The 13th seed punched his two-hander towards Alcaraz, who floated a forehand volley to the opposite corner.
After shuttling nimbly across the back of the court, Shelton unleashed a sensational lefty passing shot.
It initially appeared that Alcaraz had somehow gotten his racquet to the ball, sending it over the net for a winner.
Shelton, 22, stood with his hands on his hips – astonished that Alcaraz had managed to dig out a winner.
Not all was as it seemed, however, as the No2 seed immediately conceded the point to his opponent.
While it initially appeared that Alcaraz had volleyed the ball before dropping his racquet, it turned out that he had in fact thrown it towards the ball, before it made contact.
As this is not a legal shot, Alcaraz quickly confessed to what he had done and conceded the point to Shelton, bringing up a break opportunity in the process.
When the umpire explained to the crowd what had happened, Alcaraz received applause from the Philippe Chatrier stands.
The crowd favourite went on to save SIX break points in that game, before finally holding serve.
Alcaraz eventually took the match 7-6 6-4 4-6 6-4.
At the end of the three hour and 22 minute battle, the two players shared a warm embrace at the net, both grinning after the entertaining spectacle.
Speaking after the match, Alcaraz was full of praise for his opponent.
The Murcia man said: “We both have huge respect for each other.
“Every time we face each other, we bring a high level and play good tennis. He’s a really powerful player and can make any shot… he’s an unbelievable player.
“We played complete tennis, big shots, coming to the net, big forehands… We stayed there during the whole match. For me, it’s great having him around, it’s a great energy.”
Alcaraz will return to action on Tuesday, when he’ll face Tommy Paul in the quarter-finals.
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