Alcaraz Sparks Controversy with Racket-Throwing Incident at Roland Garros
A dramatic moment unfolded during the fourth round of Roland Garros 2025, as Spanish tennis player Carlos Alcaraz appeared to throw his racket to hit a shot against American player Ben Shelton. The incident has sparked widespread debate and discussion in the tennis world.
According to reports from Tuoi Tre, Alcaraz’s unorthodox move occurred when Shelton hit a powerful passing shot from the baseline, and Alcaraz seemed to have a great chance to hit a winning forehand volley. However, as he stretched to make the shot, he lost control of his racket, which then made contact with the ball.
Rather than celebrating the point, Alcaraz immediately pointed to the chair umpire to indicate that the shot was not an error. As Tuoi Tre reports, Alcaraz admitted to throwing his racket at the ball, which is against the rules of tennis. The rules state that players must hold their racket firmly at the moment of contact.
Shelton, who lost the match 3-1 (7-6, 6-3, 4-6, 6-4), expressed surprise at the umpire’s decision to award the point to Alcaraz. "I thought it was a legal shot," Shelton said in a post-match press conference, as quoted by Tuoi Tre. "I thought I had hit a great shot and that his racket had just slipped out of his hand."
The incident highlights the unique challenges of playing at Roland Garros, which does not use video review technology, unlike other major tournaments. The absence of electronic line judges also makes the tournament distinct.
Alcaraz’s sportsmanship has been widely praised, as he chose to speak out and admit to throwing his racket, rather than staying silent and potentially gaining an unfair advantage. As Tuoi Tre reports, Alcaraz said: "I thought about keeping quiet. But it would have been wrong not to say anything. I needed to speak out, be honest with myself, with Ben, with everyone. It’s just about mutual respect, and I think that’s how sports should be in general."
The gesture is particularly notable given the high stakes of the tournament, and Alcaraz’s willingness to prioritize fair play has earned him widespread respect. As the tennis world continues to debate the incident, one thing is clear: Alcaraz’s actions demonstrate a strong commitment to sportsmanship and fair play.
In related news, Alcaraz has advanced to the quarterfinals of Roland Garros 2025, where he will face a tough opponent in the quest for the championship. With his impressive skills on the court and his commitment to fair play, Alcaraz is sure to be a player to watch in the days to come.
Source: Tuoi Tre
