Thirteen seconds. That's how long Carlos Alcaraz's point beat Novak Djokovic to go 1-1, 30-0 up in the second set of the Roland Garros semifinal. It was a point that, in theory, was worth like all the other points disputed in a duel that until that moment had the Serb 1-0 in sets. But at the same time it was a unique point, as often happens in tennis.
In those thirteen seconds that were lived after the serve of Alcaraz, came the return of Nole and a little while later a phenomenal drop of the Serb, who had an equally extraordinary response from the Spaniard, who stretched and came to pass it on the other side of the net.
But the story went on: Djokovic leaned over and volleyed towards the back of the court, assuming the point was in his favor. But no. Alcaraz defied logic and ran backwards with as much power as dexterity to slide over his right leg, twist his body and break his wrist, all at once, putting the ball in the only place his opponent could not reach.
Alcaraz's innocent smile and Djokovic's incredulous applause, also smiling, was the perfect reaction to what has just been experienced. The setting also accompanied: the ovation of the Philipp Chatrier served as encouragement for the Spanish tennis player, who seemed to get even more into a match that was fulfilling expectations.
The applause of Djokovic, recognizing the genius of Alcaraz. Photo: JULIEN DE ROSA / AFP.