Teenage tennis sensation Carlos Alcaraz earned the plaudits of fans on Saturday, following a piece of superb sportsmanship during his Miami Open clash with Hubert Hurkacz. Alcaraz - who has been dubbed ‘the new Nadal’ - put in another remarkable performance in Miami to defeat Hurkacz 7-6 7-6 during his semi-final on Saturday.
His straight-sets victory means the Spaniard will now take on Norway’s Casper Ruud in an attempt to become champion on Sunday. As well as being praised for another high level of performance against Hurkacz, Alcaraz earned the respect of fans for allowing a point to be replayed after the umpire had wrongly adjudged the 18-year-old to have won it.
Alcaraz played a drop shot in the opening set, and despite Hurkacz getting to the ball in time, the umpire believed the ball had bounced twice and awarded the point to the youngster - who would've had an easy overhead anyway had the incorrect call not have been made.
Hurkacz was visibly unhappy with the decision and was quick to complain to the umpire as he stood under him at the net. Alcaraz agreed with his opponent and called for the point to be replayed.
The gesture was received remarkably by the Miami crowd, who stood to applaud the Spaniard’s gesture, and that was then echoed by his Polish competitor. Sports writer Tim Reynolds took to social media to commend Alcaraz, tweeting: “Alcaraz just gave up a point he “won” - for 40-0, 5-6 in the first set - because a bad call went against Hurkacz. Extreme class.”
What did you make of Alcaraz's sportsmanship? Let us know in the comments section below.
These thoughts were also echoed by a number of fans, who took to Twitter to sing the Spaniard’s sportsmanship praises. @Nina201710 tweeted: “A lot to learn from the youngster. Others on the tour could take a lesson.”
Another tennis fan - @boyet_Uy - shared the same view, adding: “Can't say enough of this gesture as I am not sure of another player that will do this and just leave it to the umpire. Bravo @alcarazcarlos03 for being gracious and honest to your opponent even though you are not required to do so.”
David Kane of the Tennis Channel echoed the Alcaraz praise, commenting: “Not to add onto the hyperbole but this is exceedingly kind from Alcaraz. Especially considering Hurkacz had little hope of winning that point even without the not-up call.”
