Botic van de Zandschulp Upsets Carlos Alcaraz at US Open

In a stunning upset at the 2024 US Open, unseeded Dutchman Botic van de Zandschulp defeated third-seeded Carlos Alcaraz 6-1, 7-5, 6-4, marking Alcaraz's earliest exit from a Grand Slam since 2021. Alcaraz, who was aiming for a calendar-year Grand Slam after winning the French Open and Wimbledon, struggled with 27 unforced errors and failed to find his rhythm throughout the match. This victory is significant for Van de Zandschulp, as it not only marks his first win against a top 10 opponent in a Grand Slam but also showcases his resurgence after a lackluster period in his career. Alcaraz expressed confusion over his performance, stating, 'I didn't know how to manage that,' while Van de Zandschulp described the night as 'incredible' and thanked the crowd for their support. The match lasted just over an hour, with Van de Zandschulp's strong defense and strategic play overwhelming the former champion. This result eliminates one of the tournament favorites and highlights the unpredictable nature of tennis.