US Open sensation: Carlos Alcaraz eliminated by Botic van de Zandschulp in the second round

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In a stunning upset at the US Open, 2022 champion Carlos Alcaraz was swiftly defeated by the Netherlands’ Botic van de Zandschulp.

The match, held on the sprawling Arthur Ashe Court, ended in a straight-sets victory (6-1, 7-5, 6-4) for the 74th-ranked player, sending shockwaves through the New York crowd.

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Unexpected dominance

Alcaraz, known for his dynamism and powerful gameplay, appeared uncharacteristically subdued and struggled to find his rhythm against van de Zandschulp. The young Spaniard, who had not faced such an early exit in a Grand Slam since Wimbledon 2021, was visibly overwhelmed by van de Zandschulp’s relentless precision and adaptability.

Apart from Djokovic, do you know the only 2 other players to have completed the golden grand slam in their careers?

A match of few highlights for Alcaraz

From the onset, it was clear that Alcaraz was not in his usual form. The match statistics painted a grim picture: zero aces and a stark absence of the explosive winners typically seen from the Spaniard. Van de Zandschulp, on the other hand, played a near-flawless game, giving Alcaraz no quarter.

Coach’s concern

Juan-Carlos Ferrero, Alcaraz’s coach, watched with concern as his protégé struggled to counter van de Zandschulp’s tactics. Alcaraz’s inability to shift gears and elevate his play as the match progressed was a rare sight for fans used to his come-from-behind victories.

Alcaraz reflects on the loss

Post-match, Alcaraz was reflective and candid about his performance. “He played really well. I expected more unforced errors from him which usually gives me some points to work with,” Alcaraz noted. “I couldn’t raise my level throughout the match, which was necessary to either win or even push for a comeback.”

The bigger picture

This loss not only marks a significant moment of vulnerability for Alcaraz but also significantly shakes up the tournament’s draw. With Alcaraz out, players like Britain’s Jack Draper and Italy’s Jannik Sinner see a clearer path ahead in the competition. Draper, now the highest-ranked player in his section, will face van de Zandschulp in the upcoming rounds.

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This article explores the unexpected early exit of Carlos Alcaraz at the US Open, focusing on his match against Botic van de Zandschulp. The analysis covers Alcaraz’s performance issues, the impact on the tournament draw, and reflections from Alcaraz and his coach on the surprising defeat.

Guillaume Aigron
Guillaume Aigron
Hello! I'm Guillaume Aigron ! I share my love for all things sports. From the thrilling rallies of tennis to the dynamic plays of football, my blog explores the wide world of sports through detailed analysis, personal anecdotes, and the latest news. As a lifelong sports fan, I've transformed my enthusiasm into a platform for fellow enthusiasts who appreciate not just the games themselves, but the stories and strategies behind them. Join me as we celebrate the spirit of competition and the joy of sportsmanship through every post!

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