Carlos Alcaraz's impressive 15-match Grand Slam unbeaten run came to an end at the US Open with a defeat to 74th-ranked Botic Van De Zandschulp in the second round. Alcaraz, who had previously won the French Open and Wimbledon, was the pre-tournament favorite but struggled against his opponent from the Netherlands.
The match saw Alcaraz making uncharacteristic errors, failing to find his usual form and missing shots he typically makes routinely. Despite showing signs of a comeback in the third set, he was unable to overcome Van De Zandschulp's strong performance.
This loss marked Alcaraz's earliest exit at a major tournament since Wimbledon in 2021. The 21-year-old Spaniard, known for his success at the US Open, was unable to replicate his previous performances at Flushing Meadows.
The first set was particularly challenging for Alcaraz, who failed to produce a single winner and struggled to keep up with Van De Zandschulp's powerful shots. Although he showed some improvement in the second set, it was not enough to turn the tide in his favor.
Despite a brief resurgence in the third set, Alcaraz continued to make mistakes, allowing Van De Zandschulp to maintain his lead and secure the victory. This defeat makes Alcaraz the first top-three men's seed to exit the US Open within the first two rounds since 2006.
Overall, it was a disappointing outcome for Alcaraz, who will now look to regroup and prepare for future tournaments. Meanwhile, Van De Zandschulp's impressive performance has earned him a well-deserved victory and a spot in the next round of the competition.
