Spanish superstar Carlos Alcaraz was knocked out in the second round of the US Open on Thursday by Dutch world number 74, Botic van de Zandschulp.

World number three and 2022 champion Alcaraz lost 6-1, 7-5, 6-4, becoming the third player in the modern era to win Roland Garros, Wimbledon and the US Open in the same season.

Alcaraz had reached at least the quarterfinals in his three previous appearances in New York and Thursday’s defeat was his first at a Grand Slam since being knocked out in the second round at Wimbledon in 2021.

“I’m a bit speechless,” said Van de Zandschulp after only his second career victory over a top-five player.

“It was an incredible night here, my first time in the night session on Arthur Ashe. I had some incredible points on the net.

“I tried to stay calm. You have to keep a cool head with these guys, otherwise they will take advantage of you.”

Alcaraz, who needed four sets to beat Australian qualifier Li Tu in the first round, appeared on court with his left thigh heavily strapped.

That turned out to be the least of his problems, as he lost his serve twice in the first set and failed to hit a single winning shot against his 28-year-old opponent, who reached the quarterfinals on his debut in 2021.

Alcaraz lost break points in the second game of the second set and the Dutchman paid for this with a break, good for a 2-1 lead in front of a stunned crowd.

The 2022 champion hit back immediately to level the score at 2-2, but it was only a brief respite as his inspired opponent broke the tie again to make it 6-5 and took the set when Alcaraz hit a service return wide.

The 21-year-old player had never had to come from a two-set deficit in his young career and went into Thursday’s match with a 2-0 lead over the Dutchman.

However, he fell behind 2-3, recovered to 3-3 and greeted the rare bright spot with a broad grin, only to be broken again in the ninth game.

Van de Zandschulp was not deterred and claimed victory when Alcaraz made his 27th and final unnecessary foul of the match.

He is the first Dutchman to defeat a top three player at a Grand Slam since Richard Krajicek defeated number one Pete Sampras in the quarter-finals at Wimbledon in 1996.

He is the first Dutchman to achieve this at the US Open since his coach Paul Haarhuis knocked out Boris Becker in the third round in 1991.

dj/bb