'I would have felt guilty if I didn't say anything about it' - Carlos Alcaraz on sportsmanship moment versus Ben Shelton at Roland Garros

Tasked with facing one of the fastest rising stars on the ATP Tour, Carlos Alcaraz did not get overwhelmed by the occasion, as he displayed an act of sportsmanship that could easily have led to a moment of conflict.

The former World No.1 faced Ben Shelton in a blockbuster round of 16 match on Court Philippe-Chatrier at the ongoing Roland Garros tournament. With the American prodigy playing some of his best tennis on clay this year, fans expected an epic contest and they were not disappointed.

Alcaraz displays sportsmanship during pivotal moment

After taking a close 7-5 first set, Alcaraz was on serve in the opening game of the second set. With both players tied at 30-30, the Spaniard hit an approach shot before closing in on the net. Shelton would attempt a passing shot, which Alcaraz appeared to reach and counter with a beautiful drop volley.

However, Alcaraz's racket had flown out of his hand and made contact with the ball, somehow guiding it back onto Shelton's side of the net for a clean winner. The umpire was ready to award the point to Alcaraz but the defending champion wagged his finger and told the umpire that his racket had made contact with the ball when it was out of his hand, which is illegal. The umpire therefore changed the score, awarding the point to Shelton who suddenly had a break point at 30-40.

Alcaraz would go on to hold serve, before winning the match in four sets. However, the Spaniard would get candid on his thought process for conceding the point during his post-match conference.

"I have to say, I thought, ‘OK, I could not say anything,’ but I would have felt guilty if I didn't say anything about it,” said Alcaraz. “It’s just about if I know that I didn’t or I did a wrong thing, wrong shots or an illegal shot, I have to say.
“I have to be honest with myself. I have to be honest with Ben, with everyone. I think that sport should be like this, just to be fair with the opponent, with yourself."

Already known for his easygoing attitude and warm demeanor on and off the court, Alcaraz continues to prove why he is one of the most beloved rising stars on the ATP circuit. The four-time Grand Slam champion will face another American in the quarterfinals, as 12th seed Tommy Paul awaits after scoring a win over Australian Alexei Popyrin.