Dan Evans and Carlos Alcaraz left giggling as US Open crowd cheers on fan downing beer after fumbling catch in stands
DAN EVANS and Carlos Alcaraz paused their epic US Open showdown to giggle at a hilarious fan’s antics.
The pair produced the match of the tournament so far on Saturday.
Alcaraz prevailed from the third-round clash 6-2 6-3 4-6 6-3 after more than three hours on Arthur Ashe Stadium, with both men delivering scintillating tennis.
But superstar Alcaraz and British No2 Evans showed their fun side despite the heat of the battle.
As Evans served to stay in the first set at 1-5, Alcaraz mishit a return at 0-15 well out – sending the ball flying into the stands.
And after a long “oooh” from the US Open crowd, there was eventually a massive “aaah” as it became clear the ball had been dropped by a supporter.
The TV cameras cut quickly to another smiling fan who had picked up the loose ball.
And then it showed the fan who had fumbled the clanger – dubbed “butter fingers” by ex-British No1 Laura Robson on commentary.
He had the perfect response to his blunder, downing his can of beer to the delight of the 23,700-strong crowd as he soaked up his moment in the spotlight.
Alcaraz, despite his frustrations at missing the initial return, allowed himself a wry smile and cheeky chuckle as he watched from the court.
And Evo could not resist bursting into laughter at the brilliant scenes despite the tension at such a crucial stage in the match.
Just one game earlier, Evans had stopped the match to tell the umpire to get rid of an intruder in his player box.
The Birmingham star noticed the random bloke sat alongside his girlfriend Aleah and his team – and he swiftly ordered for the plucky fan to be ejected.
Evans put up a superb effort against the world No1 and reigning US Open champion, even taking the third set.
But ultimately the Spaniard proved too strong, helped by some absolutely outrageous passing shots that left the crowd, the commentators and even his opponent laughing in disbelief.