TennisVideo

Leonardo Mayer’s Shot Was Going Out…Until It Wasn’t

7th seeded Juan Martin Del Potro faced off against fellow Argentinian Leonardo Mayer in the third round of the U.S. Open today, coming away with a a 6-3, 7-5, 7-6 three-set sweep to advance to the fourth round. The third and final set was a heated affair, with Del Potro finally coming ahead at 11-9. But not before a bit of physics stupefied CBS announcer Ian Eagle and nearly saved the match for Mayer.

With Del Potro serving at 8-8, the rally forced Mayer to struggle for a one-handed backhand. Except his shot wasn’t accurate and was clearly heading towards the doubles alley – that is until the ball hit the net pole. Note: not the net. The pole that holds the net.

Despite the bit of luck, Mayer lost the point to trail 9-8, although he did stave off match point until he eventually succumbed to the superior Del Potro 11-9. On the bright side, the rather sharp change of direction of the ball completed bamboozled the CBS camera crew, who momentarily lost the ball before getting it back in frame.

[via CBS]

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