Carlos Alcaraz, the third-seeded and pre-tournament favorite, suffered a stunning second-round exit from the US Open, falling 6-1, 7-5, 6-4 to 74th-ranked Botic van de Zandschulp.
Carlos Alcaraz, the 21-year-old tennis sensation from Spain, faced a surprising early exit from the US Open on Thursday night. The third seed and pre-tournament favorite was defeated in straight sets by 74th-ranked Botic van de Zandschulp of the Netherlands.
The match, held under the closed retractable roof of Arthur Ashe Stadium, ended with a score of 6-1, 7-5, 6-4, bringing Alcaraz’s 15-match Grand Slam unbeaten streak to an abrupt halt.
Alcaraz, who has never previously overcome a two-set deficit, appeared visibly frustrated and confused during the match. His erratic performance was uncharacteristic, given his recent dominance in the sport.
The Spaniard’s struggles were evident as he double-faulted to fall behind two sets to none and failed to regain his footing throughout the match. Alcaraz’s coach, 2003 French Open champion Juan Carlos Ferrero, looked on as his protégé grappled with the mental and physical challenges on court.
The loss was a stark contrast to Alcaraz’s recent form. He had won the French Open in June and Wimbledon in July, raising his career total to four major championships, including his 2022 US Open title.
Additionally, he secured a silver medal at the Paris Olympics earlier in August, losing to Novak Djokovic in the final. Despite his impressive achievements, the grueling schedule seemed to have taken a toll on Alcaraz.
Reflecting on his performance, Alcaraz acknowledged that fatigue might have played a role. He admitted that his tight schedule left him with less energy than anticipated, though he refrained from using it as an excuse for his defeat.
Alcaraz’s inability to control his emotions and maintain focus was evident throughout the match. His typically precise shots went awry, leading to numerous unforced errors.
Botic van de Zandschulp, on the other hand, delivered a stellar performance. The 28-year-old Dutchman played aggressively, winning 28 of his 35 net points and serving at speeds of up to 132 mph.
His powerful forehands and consistent serves kept Alcaraz on the defensive. Van de Zandschulp’s confidence grew as he took control of the match, particularly after a dominant first set where Alcaraz failed to produce a single winner.
The second set saw a brief resurgence from Alcaraz, but a double fault at a crucial moment handed Van de Zandschulp the advantage. The Dutchman capitalized on the opportunity, securing the second set and putting himself in a commanding position.
Despite a fleeting comeback attempt by Alcaraz in the third set, Van de Zandschulp maintained his composure and closed out the match.
This defeat marked Alcaraz’s earliest exit from a major tournament since Wimbledon 2021, where he also lost in the second round.
His loss to Van de Zandschulp was particularly surprising given his stellar record at the US Open, where he had never previously lost before the quarterfinals. In contrast, Van de Zandschulp’s Grand Slam record was modest, with his only prior quarterfinal appearance at the US Open in 2021.
The result also highlighted the unpredictability of tennis, as Alcaraz became the first top-three men’s seed to lose within the first two rounds of the US Open since 2006.
It was the earliest defeat for a men’s US Open pre-tournament favorite since 1999. Alcaraz’s 25-1 record against players ranked outside the top 50 in majors was shattered by Van de Zandschulp’s remarkable performance.
For Van de Zandschulp, the victory was a career-defining moment. He expressed his amazement at the outcome and looked forward to his next match against No. 25 seed Jack Draper of Britain. The Dutchman’s ability to stay calm and focused under pressure proved crucial in securing his stunning win.
As Alcaraz exits the tournament, the tennis world is left to ponder the impact of a demanding schedule on even the most talented players. Meanwhile, Van de Zandschulp’s victory serves as a reminder of the potential for unexpected triumphs in the sport.
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