Carlos Alcaraz, the French Open and Wimbledon champion, suffered a stunning defeat to Botic Van De Zandschulp in the second round of the 2024 US Open. Van De Zandschulp, ranked 87th in the world, shocked the tennis world with a straight-sets victory over the tournament favorite.
In a thrilling upset that reverberated through the tennis world, Carlos Alcaraz, the reigning French Open and Wimbledon champion, was eliminated from the 2024 US Open in the second round by the relatively unknown Botic Van De Zandschulp. The 21-year-old Alcaraz, who had not lost a Grand Slam match in 15 previous appearances, was surprisingly outplayed by the 28-year-old Dutchman.
Shocking Upset: Alcaraz Knocked Out in US Open Second Round
From the outset, Van De Zandschulp displayed a level of confidence and precision that belied his lower ranking. He dominated the first set, winning it convincingly 6-1, putting Alcaraz on the back foot. In the second set, Alcaraz fought back, but Van De Zandschulp held firm, taking the tiebreak 7-5 and putting himself on the cusp of a major upset.
In the third set, Alcaraz's resilience was evident, but Van De Zandschulp's consistent play proved too much to overcome. The Dutchman secured the victory with a 6-4 triumph, sending shockwaves through the tournament and silencing the partisan New York City crowd.
Shocking Upset: Alcaraz Knocked Out in US Open Second Round
Van De Zandschulp's performance was a masterclass in controlled aggression. His forehand was particularly impressive, generating powerful shots that kept Alcaraz at bay. Alcaraz, on the other hand, struggled with uncharacteristic errors throughout the match, failing to find his usual rhythm.
The loss marks a significant setback for Alcaraz, who was considered one of the frontrunners to win the US Open title. His defeat highlights the unpredictable nature of tennis and the vulnerability of even the most dominant players.
Shocking Upset: Alcaraz Knocked Out in US Open Second Round
Van De Zandschulp, meanwhile, has emerged as a giant-killer in the tournament. After defeating Denis Shapovalov in the first round, he has now added Alcaraz to his list of victims. The Dutchman will face another ranked opponent, No. 25 Jack Draper from Great Britain, in the third round.
As Alcaraz reflects on his disappointing performance, Van De Zandschulp will bask in the glory of his remarkable victory. The US Open continues to produce unexpected results, and the tennis world eagerly awaits the next chapter in this thrilling tournament.
