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Carlos Alcaraz stuns everyone with 'one-off' act of showmanship mid-point at Australian Open - ‘Something you do on a practice court’

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Spain's Carlos Alcaraz underlined his status as one of the sport’s most flamboyant figures with a trademark moment of magic during his fourth-round win over Tommy Paul. It occurred at a crucial juncture in the first-set tie-break as the world No. 1 showcased his unique ability to remain incredibly cool under pressure. It left both the TNT Sports commentators and the fans completely stunned.

'Look at this!' - Watch as Alcaraz dries his hands mid-point in wild moment

Video credit: TNT Sports

Carlos Alcaraz once again displayed his showmanship during his convincing straight-sets win over Tommy Paul in the fourth round of the Australian Open.

The Spaniard proved too strong for Paul when it mattered most, wrapping up a 7-6(6) 6-4 7-5 victory in two hours and 44 minutes to set up a last-eight meeting with Alex de Minaur, the final remaining home hope in the men’s singles draw.

You can always count on Alcaraz to come up with something special, and this was no exception. But among the highlight-reel moments there was one piece of magic that stood out above the rest.

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And it occurred at a pivotal moment in the match, underlining the unique style of the player aiming to complete the career Grand Slam in Melbourne.

At 6-6 in the first set tie-break, a pinpoint cross-court backhand left Paul scrambling and forced the American to hoist a defensive lob way up into the Melbourne sky. And it took so long to come down, Alcaraz decided it was the perfect moment to dry his hands before dispatching the smash.

In typical fashion, it was a moment not lost on the 22-year-old as he smiled up to his box on his walk back to the baseline.

Highlights: Alcaraz roars past Paul to reach quarters as he eyes Nadal feat

Video credit: TNT Sports

As well as the fans in attendance on Rod Laver Arena, TNT Sports commentators Arvind Parmar and Simon Reed were in awe of the Spaniard’s cavalier act in what was supposed to be a highly-pressurised situation.

"He was drying his hand before he played the smash and now laughing about it," Parmar said. "I mean, he had a lot of time to do it, but look at this, this is something you do on a practice court."

Reed added: "He’s a one-off, isn’t he?"

Alcaraz can create more history and become just the ninth male player to complete the career Grand Slam if he captures the title in Melbourne.

Despite being just 22, he has already won just about everything there is to win in the sport, but the Australian Open is the one glaring exception.

He next faces De Minaur, who was in imperious form during a dominant three-set victory over Alexander Bublik.

Should he come through that, a semi-final against either Alexander Zverev or Learner Tien awaits before a potential showdown with Jannik Sinner or Novak Djokovic in the final.

The Alcaraz serve was firing in his win over Paul, with some pointing out that his new and improved action resembles Djokovic’s motion.

'Smoked it!' - Watch as Alcaraz unleashes huge forehand in clash with Paul

Video credit: TNT Sports

And following his fourth-round triumph, Alcaraz revealed he had received a message from his Serbian rival, who was claiming "copyright" on his serve.

"I heard that," Alcaraz said on court after the match. "I have the contract over there!

"But it was funny because in pre-season some videos came up with the movement. To be honest, I didn’t know it was similar to Nole’s serve.

"I just walked out one day, took out my phone and had Djokovic message, saying, ‘alright, you have to pay me for the serve’ - he sent me the message."

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