Carlos Alcaraz, the reigning US Open champion and recent winner of Wimbledon and the French Open, was sent packing in a shocking second-round upset at Flushing Meadows. The 21-year-old Spaniard fell to unseeded Dutchman Botic van de Zandschulp in a straight-sets match, 6-1, 7-5, 6-4.
Alcaraz, who had won an impressive 15 consecutive Grand Slam matches prior to the defeat, struggled with his game throughout the match, committing numerous unforced errors. The crowd inside Arthur Ashe Stadium was visibly stunned as the former champion appeared to lack his usual sharpness and energy.
Following the match, Alcaraz was candid about his performance, acknowledging a lack of energy and preparation. “I think my level stayed at the same point all the match, and it wasn’t enough to win the match or to give myself the chance to getting into the match or trying to give myself chances,” he said. “So, you know, what can I say? I didn’t feel well hitting the ball. I think I made a lot of mistakes. When I wanted to come back or I think I wanted to come back, it was too late.”
While he didn’t want to use it as an excuse, Alcaraz revealed that he entered the tournament feeling less than fully energized after a challenging Cincinnati tune-up where he lost to Gael Monfils in the second round. “I came here with not as much energy as I thought that I was going to come. But, I mean, I don’t want to put that as excuse,” he said. “Probably I’m a guy or I’m a player that needs more days or more break coming into the good tournaments or the important ones. So I have to think about it, and I have to learn about it.”
This unexpected exit marks a significant setback for Alcaraz, who had been a dominant force in men’s tennis in recent months. His loss opens up the US Open draw and leaves the tournament wide open for other contenders. Van de Zandschulp, meanwhile, advances to the third round where he’ll face Great Britain’s Jack Draper.
