Carlos Alcaraz, who had won 15 consecutive Grand Slam matches, met an unexpected defeat at the U.S. Open in the second round against Botic van de Zandschulp with a 6-1, 7-5, 6-4 loss. Alcaraz, a favorite before the tournament, failed to perform to his usual standard, struggling against the 74th-ranked van de Zandschulp, ultimately losing the match.
Alcaraz, a 21-year-old from Spain, had an impressive record at the U.S. Open, boasting a 16-2 record before this match and never before losing before the quarterfinals in his three previous appearances. However, his performance against van de Zandschulp was below par, with Alcaraz missing shots he typically handles easily, leading to his early exit from the tournament.
Van de Zandschulp, a 28-year-old from the Netherlands, despite having a less impressive record compared to Alcaraz, managed to secure a significant upset. Van de Zandschulp’s strong performance, particularly at the net where he won 28 of 35 points, played a crucial role in his victory over the higher-ranked Alcaraz.
The match was characterized by van de Zandschulp’s dominating play in the first two sets, with Alcaraz struggling to find his rhythm and committing uncharacteristic errors. Although Alcaraz managed to make a brief comeback, van de Zandschulp’s composure and solid play ultimately sealed the victory for him.
Van de Zandschulp expressed his disbelief at the outcome, acknowledging the significance of his achievement in defeating a top player like Alcaraz. He attributed his success to staying calm and composed under pressure, a mindset that proved effective against Alcaraz.
Van de Zandschulp’s next challenge will be against No. 25 seed Jack Draper of Britain in the third round of the U.S. Open. The unexpected defeat of Carlos Alcaraz adds a new dimension to the tournament, showcasing the unpredictability and excitement that Grand Slam events often bring to the world of tennis.
