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Carlos Alcaraz surprises in second round of US Open by Botic Van De Zandschulp in straight sets
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Carlos Alcaraz surprises in second round of US Open by Botic Van De Zandschulp in straight sets

One of the favorites to win the 2024 US Open in the men’s event has already been eliminated in the second round.

Spanish phenomenon Carlos Alcaraz, winner of Roland Garros and Wimbledon earlier this year, was surprisingly defeated in the second round by Dutchman Botic Van De Zandschulp in three sets.

The 28-year-old Van De Zandschulp from Wageningen, Netherlands, had a career record of 87-83 and this year was 10-18 going into his match against Alcaraz after defeating Denis Shapovalov in the first round.

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Carlos Alcaraz backhand

Spain’s Carlos Alcaraz beats Netherlands’ Botic van De Zandschulp on day four of the 2024 US Open tennis tournament at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center. (Robert Deutsch-USA TODAY Sports)

But it was clear from the start of the match that Van De Zandschulp was not at all nervous about the confrontation with Alcaraz, the 21-year-old, four-time Grand Slam champion.

Van De Zandschulp convincingly won the first set 6-1, after Alcaraz hit a service return over the baseline on three set points.

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The Spaniard then stepped it up a notch, but Van De Zandschulp still managed to win the set 7-5 via a tiebreak. With that, he was in control and could provide a surprising turn of events.

We’ve seen in the past what Alcaraz can do when his back is against the wall, but Van De Zandschulp once again got the better of him in the third set, beating him 6-4 in front of a stunned crowd in New York City.

Carlos Alcaraz and Botic Van De Zandschulp shake hands

Botic van De Zandschulp from the Netherlands after defeating Carlos Alcaraz from Spain on the fourth day of the 2024 US Open tennis tournament at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center. (Robert Deutsch-USA TODAY Sports)

Just like that, the number 3 in the men’s singles in the tournament, and a big fan favorite, has been eliminated from the last Grand Slam of the year. Alcaraz had not lost before the quarterfinals at the US Open in three previous participations.

Alcaraz entered the Grand Slam on Thursday without a loss in 15 matches. But while Van De Zandschulp was exceptional, especially when the ball was on his forehand, it was a sloppy all-round performance from Alcaraz, who injured himself too often.

Van De Zandschulp has faced Alcaraz twice before, both times won by the Spaniard. However, the tall Dutchman’s serves were too overwhelming for Alcaraz, as they reached a speed of 132 mph on the radar.

Carlos Alcaraz looks up on the field

Spaniard Carlos Alcaraz reacts during his first round match of the men’s singles against Australian Li Tu on the second day of the US Open tennis tournament at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in New York City, on August 27, 2024. (CHARLY TRIBALLEAU/AFP via Getty Images)

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While Alcaraz looks back at the tape to figure out what went wrong, Van De Zandschulp advances to the third round, where he will face another ranked opponent: No. 25 Jack Draper of Great Britain.

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