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ATP Doha, Qatar

WATCH: Jimmy Butler smashes overhead past Carlos Alcaraz during "dream" hit in Doha

The newly traded Golden State Warriors star made a surprise appearance in Qatar—and surprised Alcaraz with an overhead smash after his first-round victory.

ByLiya Davidov

Published Feb 18, 2025

Jimmy Butler smashes overhead winner over Carlos Alcaraz in Doha

After opting out of the NBA All-Star game over the wekeend in San Francisco, Calif., Jimmy Butler found his way to Doha for a tennis getaway at the Qatar ExxonMobil Open. But little did Butler know that a major sports "dream" of his was about to come true.

Famously a huge tennis fan and friend to Carlos Alcaraz, the recently traded Golden State Warriors star was invited on court after the world No. 3 closed out his opening match against Marin Cilic.

Read More: Carlos Alcaraz overcomes wind and Marin Cilic in Doha first round

The pair put on a set of microphones and spent a few minutes hitting on center court together.

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During their time on court, Alcaraz served a short ball to Butler, who found himself near-diving his way to return the ball successfully. And like any true tennis pro, the Warrior followed his shot into the net, where he was met with a golden overhead opportunity—which he took.

"Doha has been incredible since I've been here," Butler said afterwards. "To let me go out there and live out my dream of playing against Carlos Alcaraz in front of so many people, it's a blessing."

Following the first-round win and a surprise Warrior warmup, Alcaraz faces qualifier Luca Nardi in the next round, a player he has yet to face on tour.