Carlos Alcaraz, the reigning champion, experienced a stunning upset in the second round of the US Open, falling to unseeded Dutch player Botic van de Zandschulp in straight sets, 6-1, 7-5, 6-4. This defeat marked the end of Alcaraz’s impressive 15-match winning streak at Grand Slam tournaments.
From the outset, Alcaraz struggled to find his rhythm. Van de Zandschulp, showcasing strong defensive skills, took the first three games and never looked back, ultimately dominating the first set. Alcaraz, despite displaying flashes of brilliance, including a stunning forehand pass in the second set, continued to struggle with closing out points. Van de Zandschulp took advantage of these struggles, breaking Alcaraz’s serve multiple times to take control of the match.
After briefly leaving the court before the third set, Alcaraz found himself facing a significant deficit. A wayward forehand handed Van de Zandschulp an early break, putting the Dutchman in a commanding position. Alcaraz fought back, but Van de Zandschulp held his nerve and ultimately sealed a remarkable victory on serve.
“I am a bit lost for words,” Van de Zandschulp expressed after the match. “It’s been an incredible evening. From the start today, I believed I had a chance. I had some nerves, but to beat a player like Alcaraz, you need to stay calm and focused.”
This unexpected result has sent shockwaves through the tournament and the tennis world, as Alcaraz’s early exit leaves a major void in the US Open competition. It also highlights the unpredictable nature of the sport and the ability of unheralded players to rise to the occasion on the biggest stage.
