Carlos Alcaraz, the 2022 U.S. Open champion and considered the world’s next great tennis star, was unexpectedly ousted by unseeded Dutchman Botic van de Zandschulp in a shocking upset. Despite being the betting favorite in Flushing, Alcaraz succumbed to van de Zandschulp’s overwhelming performance in the second round.
Van de Zandschulp entered the match with a relatively unimpressive 12-18 singles record for the year, with a lifetime 5-13 record against top-10 players. He had only advanced past the fourth round of a grand slam once, during the 2021 US Open quarterfinals. Over the past two years, the 28-year-old had struggled to win more than two singles matches at any single grand slam event.
Despite his previous difficulties at grand slam events, van de Zandschulp’s victory over Alcaraz marked the biggest win of his career. He will now advance to the third round in Queens and is set to face No. 25 Jack Draper of Britain in the upcoming match. The unexpected triumph over Alcaraz has put van de Zandschulp in an unexpectedly strong position in the tournament.
The defeat of Alcaraz, a highly regarded player in the tennis world, by van de Zandschulp has caused a major upset in the U.S. Open. Alcaraz had been viewed as a potential future star of the sport, making his unexpected early exit all the more surprising. The loss highlights the unpredictable nature of tennis and the competitive field in grand slam tournaments.
Despite his limited success in previous grand slam events, van de Zandschulp’s victory over Alcaraz demonstrates the unpredictable nature of tennis and the potential for underdogs to rise to the occasion against higher-ranked opponents. His success in the U.S. Open thus far serves as a reminder of the competitive nature of the sport and the opportunities for unexpected results to occur.
As van de Zandschulp prepares to face Jack Draper in the third round, the Dutchman will carry the confidence of his remarkable victory over Alcaraz. His unexpected success in the tournament has made him a player to watch and has increased expectations for his performance in future matches. The outcome of the tournament remains uncertain, but van de Zandschulp’s surprising triumph over Alcaraz has already made a significant impact on the U.S. Open.
