Similar improvements in performance can be seen in both Jimmy Butler and Carlos Alcaraz since the start of the twenty-second year.
Since then, Butler has taken the Miami Heat to Game 7 of the Conference Finals and then the NBA Finals the following season. Meanwhile, at age 20, Alcaraz had already won the U.S. Open and Wimbledon.
The two saw each other on Wednesday night at the U.S. Open’s “Stars of the Open” exhibition event.
Butler appeared as a ball boy at first, but afterwards stole Frances Tiafoe’s racket and played against Alcaraz. His “drop shot” tactic was brilliant.Although Alcaraz was clearly taking it easy, he still appeared genuinely astonished by Butler’s final strоke, which he had no chance of blocking.
Despite his unwillingness to serve, Butler is a physically impressive specimen who, with practice, could become a respectable tennis player.But until then, Butler will keep training for his 13th year in the NBA. Last season was one of his best ever; he shot 53.9% from the field and advanced all the way to the NBA Finals, where the Denver Nuggets were waiting for him.
Meanwhile, Alcaraz plans to defend his U.S. Open crown this year. On Thursday, August 24, his first opponent will be announced, and on Monday, August 28, the main events will commence.
NBA Star Jimmy Butler WINS A Point Off Reigning US Open Champion And World No. 1 Carlos Alcaraz After Debuting As A Ball Boy
Butler also played a doubles match with Frances Tiafoe against Alcaraz and Sebastian Yatra
The US Open’s ‘Stars of the Open’ event has raised $320,000 for humanitarian aid in Ukrаine.
Other just-for-fun exhibits at Stars of the Open at Louis Armstrong Stadium included John McEnroe, Gabriela Sabatini, Jessica Pegula, Matteo Berrettini, Elena Svitolina, Gael Monfils, Chris Eubanks, and Jennifer Brady.
Fans of the Heat will surely be glad that Butler’s adventure on the tennis court was all about laughs, not a serious game, to avoid ιnjury ahead of the upcoming NBA season.
Butler led Miami on a Cinderella-esque run through the NBA Finals before eventually losing to the Denver Nuggets.
Hooper, 33, is also a well-documented tennis fan and is friends with American stars Tiafoe and Coco Gauff.
The US Open starts on Monday and Alcaraz wants to defend his title after his victory at Wimbledon earlier this year.