Carlos Alcaraz: Former US Open champion shocked by unseeded Dutchman Botic van de Zandschulp

Unseeded Dutchman Botic van de Zandschulp caused an almighty US Open upset by stunning Carlos Alcaraz 6-1 7-5 6-4 in the second round on Thursday night.

The world No 3 came into the tournament in New York aiming to make it three Grand Slam titles in a row, having triumphed at the French Open and Wimbledon.

But Alcaraz never recovered from a shaky start and made a number of unforced errors throughout the contest as Van de Zandschulp ended the Spaniard’s hopes with the result of his life.

It was Alcaraz’s first loss in the second round of a major since 2021 at Wimbledon, where the then-world No 75 fell to second seed Daniil Medvedev.

Van de Zandschulp will next play British No 1 Jack Draper in the third round Saturday – live on Sky Sports Tennis.

“Actually I am a little bit lost for words. It’s been an incredible evening here,” said Van de Zandschulp. “I think from point one here today I believed (I had) a chance.

“I had some nerves but I think if you want to beat one of these guys you have to be unbelievably calm and keep your head there.”

The 21-year-old was on the back foot early on as Van de Zandschulp claimed the opening three games with some resolute defending from the back of the court, and the Dutchman broke again en route to taking the first set.

Alcaraz, the four-time Grand Slam winner, struggled to close out points with Van de Zandschulp breaking for a 2-1 lead.

A tactical tweak to return serve from deeper helped Alcaraz hit back immediately but the 2022 champion gifted his opponent another break with a double fault and Van de Zandschulp went on to comfortably double his advantage in the match.

After briefly leaving the court before the third set, Alcaraz found himself in deeper trouble after a wayward forehand handed Van de Zandschulp a break.

He replied and found his smile again, but Van de Zandschulp got his nose in front and completed a stunning upset on serve.

What’s coming up on Sky Sports Tennis in September?

Jasmin Open, Tunisia – WTA 250 (9-15 September)
Guadalajara Open, Mexico – WTA 500 (9-15 September)
Korea Open – WTA 500 (16 -22 September – with Emma Raducanu in action)
Thailand Open – WTA 250 (16 -22 September)
Chengdu Open, China – ATP 250 (18-24 September)
Hangzhou Open, China – ATP 250 (18-24 September)
China Open – WTA 1000 (Sept 25 – Oct 6)
Japan Open – ATP 500 (Sept 25 – Oct 1)
China Open – ATP 500 (Sept 26 – Oct 2)

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