Botic van de Zandschulp Stuns Carlos Alcaraz at US Open 2024

The Netherlands’ Botic van de Zanschulp had an incredible day after shockingly eliminating World No. 3 Carlos Alcaraz from the US Open 2024. Alcaraz, one of the most formidable competitors for the men’s singles championship, was unable to get past the second round. In addition, it was his earliest Grand Slam defeat since Daniil Medvedev defeated him in straight sets at Wimbledon in 2021.

At Arthur Ashe Stadium on Thursday, Van de Zanschulp defeated the 21-year-old Alcaraz 6-1, 7-5, 6-4 in one hour and 19 minutes. The Dutchman trailed the Spaniard 0-2 in their head-to-head match prior to their match in the hard-court major. In actuality, he had lost both occasions in straight sets and had not won a single set. Van de Zanschulp was understandably “lost for words.”

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I’m actually at a loss for words. This evening has been amazing. It was my first time using Arthur Ashe at night. The turnout was incredible. I appreciate you doing it. Amazing evening,” van de Zanschulp remarked following the game.

History made for 🇳🇱 at the US Open pic.twitter.com/pSjrlbcR6k

— US Open Tennis (@usopen) August 30, 2024

The last match gave me a lot of confidence. In the last game, I performed pretty well. Right from the start, I thought I could have a shot. You see how things may work out occasionally,” Van de Zanschulp continued.

Botic van de Zanschulp aiming to win his first singles title

Van de Zanschulp made his Grand Slam main draw debut in 2021 at the Australian Open, marking his first major tournament qualification. He advanced to the US Open quarterfinals that year, defeating Medvedev in a set, but the match ended in a 3-6, 0-6, 6-4, 5-7 loss at Arthur Ashe Stadium.

Van de Zanschulp advanced to the third round of the French Open and Australian Open in 2022, losing to Rafael Nadal and Dmitry Medvedev, respectively. Naturally, the victory over Alcaraz was the biggest of his Grand Slam career to date.

Van de Zanschulp reached a career-high position of No. 22 in the world in 2022. Along with playing doubles in all four Grand Slams, he and his compatriot Tallon Griekspoor won the 2022 European Open in Antwerp.