Carlos Alcaraz stunned by Botic van de Zandschulp in a major US Open upset. © Twitter (@josemorgado)
Carlos Alcaraz, the former US Open champion, faced an unexpected early exit in the 2024 tournament. Unseeded Dutchman Botic van de Zandschulp stunned the tennis world with a straight-sets victory. The match, ending 6-1, 7-5, 6-4, was a significant upset, especially for Alcaraz, who came into the tournament riding high on recent Grand Slam successes at the French Open and Wimbledon.
Alcaraz struggled to find his rhythm from the very beginning, plagued by unforced errors that allowed Van de Zandschulp to seize control. Despite his best efforts to rally, the Spaniard couldn’t overcome the Dutchman’s composed and relentless play. This loss marked Alcaraz’s first second-round exit at a major since Wimbledon 2021, a surprising turn for a player who has recently been at the top of his game.
For Van de Zandschulp, this victory was a career-defining moment. Never before had he defeated a top-10 player at a Grand Slam, and his performance not only secured him a place in the third round but also ended a 43-match losing streak for Dutch players against ATP top 10 opponents at Grand Slams. His ability to maintain his focus and capitalize on Alcaraz’s missteps made all the difference, showcasing his potential to challenge the sport’s elite.
Alcaraz, clearly disappointed, reflected on his performance after the match, acknowledging his struggles. He admitted that his level of play remained stagnant throughout the contest, preventing him from mounting a successful comeback. Even a tactical adjustment in the second set failed to turn the tide in his favour.
As Van de Zandschulp moves forward to face British No. 1 Jack Draper in the third round, Alcaraz is left to regroup and reassess after this surprising defeat. The US Open continues to be a tournament of unexpected twists, reminding everyone that in tennis, nothing is ever guaranteed. The road to victory is always fraught with challenges, and even the most accomplished players can find themselves on the wrong side of an upset.
