In a stunning turn of events at the US Open, Spanish tennis star Carlos Alcaraz, ranked world number three, was knocked out in the second round by Dutch player Botic van de Zandschulp, who is ranked 74th globally. The match ended with a straight-sets victory for van de Zandschulp, 6-1, 7-5, 6-4, marking a significant upset in the tournament.
Alcaraz, the 2022 US Open champion, entered the tournament with hopes of becoming only the third man in the modern era to win the French Open, Wimbledon, and the US Open in the same season. However, his early exit ended that quest abruptly. The defeat was Alcaraz’s earliest at a Grand Slam since his second-round exit at Wimbledon in 2021.
Van de Zandschulp, who secured only his second career win against a top-five player, was thrilled with the victory. “I’m a little lost for words,” he said after the match, expressing his amazement at winning his first night session match on the prestigious Arthur Ashe Stadium. He credited his success to staying calm and focused, which he emphasized was crucial against top players like Alcaraz.
Alcaraz, who appeared on the court with his left thigh heavily strapped, struggled from the start. He lost his serve twice in the first set and failed to hit a single winner against his 28-year-old opponent, who had previously reached the quarter-finals at the US Open in 2021.
Despite showing some fight in the second set, Alcaraz could not overcome his inspired opponent. Van de Zandschulp broke Alcaraz’s serve for a 6-5 lead and took the set, leaving the Spaniard with an uphill battle. Alcaraz, who had never come back from a two-set deficit in his career, ultimately couldn’t turn the match around, leading to a surprising and disappointing end to his US Open campaign.
