- Van de Zandschulp receives ovation after beating Alcaraz.
- He praised the crowd and admitted feeling nervous.
- Alcaraz’s 15-match US Open streak ends; earliest exit since 2021 Wimbledon.
Carlos Alcaraz faced a surprising defeat in the second round of the US Open on Thursday, as he was ousted by Botic van de Zandschulp in straight sets. The match, held at Arthur Ashe Stadium in Flushing Meadows, New York, ended with scores of 6-1, 7-5, 6-4 in favor of the Dutchman, who is ranked 74th in the world.
Alcaraz, the 21-year-old Spanish sensation and world No. 3, has had an impressive year, highlighted by his victory at Wimbledon and an Olympic silver medal. However, he struggled significantly against Van de Zandschulp, who capitalized on his opponent’s errors and maintained a steady performance throughout the match.
From the outset, Alcaraz appeared off his game, and his difficulties were compounded as the match progressed. He finished the contest with 28 unforced errors, a stark contrast to his typically precise and aggressive play. Despite his efforts, Alcaraz was unable to find his rhythm or mount a successful comeback.
Van de Zandschulp’s performance was a testament to his resilience and skill. He managed to neutralize Alcaraz’s strengths and executed a game plan that kept the Spaniard on the defensive. The Dutch player’s victory was punctuated by a decisive ace that concluded the match, marking a significant milestone in his career.
This win is particularly notable for Van de Zandschulp, as it represents his first victory over a top-10 opponent in a major tournament. The triumph is one of the biggest upsets of the US Open so far, reflecting the unpredictable nature of the sport.
The result has sent shockwaves through the tennis community and leaves Alcaraz with questions to address as he prepares for future competitions. For Van de Zandschulp, it is a career-defining moment that will undoubtedly elevate his standing and confidence as he continues his journey in the sport.
After the match, the crowd gave Botic van de Zandschulp a standing ovation, while Carlos Alcaraz congratulated him and acknowledged the audience before exiting the court.
Speaking to ESPN, Van de Zandschulp admitted he was “at a loss of words” after the surprising victory. “It’s been an incredible evening,” he said. “This was my first night session at Arthur Ashe, and the crowd was amazing. Thank you for making it an unbelievable night.”
He also confessed to feeling nervous as he approached the final stages of the match. “To beat someone like Alcaraz, you need to stay incredibly calm. Otherwise, they can easily take advantage of any lapse in concentration,” Van de Zandschulp noted.
The loss marks the end of Alcaraz’s 15-match unbeaten streak at the US Open and is his earliest exit from the tournament since Wimbledon 2021.
Van de Zandschulp, who has advanced past the fourth round in a Grand Slam only once before, will face British 25th seed Jack Draper in the third round on Saturday.
