Carlos Alcaraz Stuns the World in US Open Second Round Upset

Carlos Alcaraz, the Spanish tennis star and winner of the French Open and Wimbledon this year, was shockingly defeated in the second round of the 2024 US Open by Botic Van De Zandschulp of the Netherlands in straight sets.

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Carlos Alcaraz Stuns the World in US Open Second Round Upset

Carlos Alcaraz, the world's No. 3-ranked men's singles player and a fan favorite, was eliminated from the US Open in stunning fashion on Thursday, falling to the unheralded Botic Van De Zandschulp in the second round.

Van De Zandschulp, a 28-year-old from Wageningen, Netherlands, entered the match with a modest 87-83 career record and a 10-18 mark this year. However, he played with poise and precision against Alcaraz, winning in straight sets 6-1, 7-5, 6-4.

Carlos Alcaraz Stuns the World in US Open Second Round Upset

The upset began with a convincing first set victory for Van De Zandschulp, with Alcaraz struggling to find his footing. The Spaniard fought back in the second set, but Van De Zandschulp ultimately prevailed in a tiebreak.

In the third set, Alcaraz appeared to be gaining momentum, but Van De Zandschulp stayed calm and composed, breaking Alcaraz's serve late in the set to seal the victory.

Carlos Alcaraz Stuns the World in US Open Second Round Upset

Van De Zandschulp's serves were a key factor in his triumph, reaching speeds of up to 132 mph and keeping Alcaraz on the defensive. The Dutchman also displayed exceptional forehand play, overpowering Alcaraz at times.

Alcaraz had not lost at the US Open before the quarterfinals in his previous three appearances, and he entered the tournament with a 15-match winning streak in Grand Slams. However, unforced errors and a lack of consistency proved to be his undoing against Van De Zandschulp.

Van De Zandschulp, who had faced Alcaraz twice previously and lost both times, expressed his disbelief after the match. "I can't believe I won," he said. "I played my best tennis today, and I'm thrilled to have pulled off this upset."

The victory sends Van De Zandschulp into the third round, where he will face No. 25 Jack Draper from Great Britain. Alcaraz, meanwhile, will have to regroup and reassess his performance as he looks ahead to the remainder of the season.

The upset of Carlos Alcaraz is a reminder that anything can happen in tennis, especially at the Grand Slams. It also highlights the depth of talent on the men's tour, with players like Botic Van De Zandschulp capable of surprising even the biggest names in the sport.