Watch: Carlos Alcaraz's startling defensive skills against Basilashvili at the Madrid Open

Alcaraz serves in his second round match against Nikoloz Basilashvili during at the 2022 Madrid Open

Tennis' rising superstar Carlos Alcaraz produced a brilliant display to defeat Nikoloz Basilashvili in straight sets in the second round in Madrid on Tuesday. One particular rally, on set point in the first set, stood out as Alcaraz showcased tremendous speed and defensive skills to flummox Basilashvili.

¡Vino de otro 🪐!

🇪🇸 @alcarazcarlos03 cierra un monumental primer set (6-3) sobre Basilashvili en Madrid. ¡Épico nivel!

#MMOPEN https://t.co/v8dgAgPAw2

Carlos Alcaraz defended esquisitely as he ran from one side of the court to the other after an array of hard-hitting groundstrokes by Nikoloz Basilashvili.

Considering a set point was on the line, there was no shortage of effort from the young Spaniard. Basilashvili's powerful groundstrokes forced Alcaraz well behind the baseline, but the teenager managed to stay in the point. Basilashvili approached the net to hit an overhead smash but did not connect well, leaving the court wide open for Acaraz to hit a loopy backhand winner and clinch the first set.

The Spaniard celebrated with his trademark fist pump as Basilashvili walked back to his seat in disbelief.

Alcaraz was made to work much harder in the second set, tempering a resurgent Basilashvili to winning it 7-5 and make it to the third round of the Madrid Open.

Carlos Alcaraz breaks into the top 10

Alcaraz celebrates after his win against Basilashvili at the 2022 Mutua Madrid Open - Day Six

Carlos Alcaraz has already won three titles in 2022 so far, cracking the top 10 of the ATP rankings following his triumph at the Barcelona Open.

Alcaraz is set to play either Fabio Fognini or Nikoloz Basilashvili in the second round of the Madrid Masters. He could face Cameron Norrie in the third round before his projected blockbuster quarterfinal against Nadal.

Novak in training today with Carlos Alcaraz 🇪🇸💪🏼.

@djokernole
- photos: Bruno Alencastro https://t.co/tWVtP2306k

Considering that he has very few points to defend over the next few months, Alcaraz could find himself in the top 5 of the ATP rankings sooner rather than later.