Sports

Alcaraz Defeated In US Open By Underdog Van de Zandschulp

In a stunning turn of events at the U.S. Open, former champion Carlos Alcaraz’s impressive Grand Slam winning streak came to an abrupt end on Thursday. The Spanish third seed, who had been riding high on a 15-match winning run at Grand Slams, fell to unseeded Dutchman Botic van de Zandschulp in a surprising second-round upset.

Van de Zandschulp, currently ranked 74th in the world, delivered a masterful performance, defeating Alcaraz in straight sets with a score of 6-1, 7-5, 6-4. The match, played on the iconic Arthur Ashe Stadium, left spectators and pundits alike in disbelief as the 21-year-old Spaniard struggled to find his rhythm throughout the contest.

From the outset, Alcaraz appeared off-color and uncharacteristically error-prone. The young star, who had recently claimed victories at both the French Open and Wimbledon, found himself unable to recover from a shaky start. His usually formidable game was marred by unforced errors, allowing Van de Zandschulp to capitalise and maintain control of the match.

“I don’t know what to say right now,” a visibly disappointed Alcaraz commented post-match. “First of all, I think he played great. He didn’t make a lot of mistakes that I thought he was going to do, so I was confused a little bit. I didn’t know how to manage that.”

The match saw Alcaraz constantly on the back foot, with Van de Zandschulp’s resolute defending and strategic play proving too much for the Spaniard to handle. Despite brief moments of brilliance, including a stunning forehand pass in the second set, Alcaraz’s struggles to close out points persisted throughout the encounter.

A tactical adjustment to return serve from deeper in the court briefly seemed to give Alcaraz hope, but unforced errors, including a costly double fault, continued to plague his performance. “I didn’t feel well hitting the ball,” Alcaraz admitted. “I think I made a lot of mistakes and when I wanted to come back … it was too late.”

For Van de Zandschulp, who has battled injuries to his left foot over the past two years, this victory marks the pinnacle of his career thus far. The former New York quarter-finalist expressed his elation after the match, stating, “It’s been an incredible evening. First time for me having a night session on Arthur Ashe. The crowd was amazing. Thank you for that. Unbelievable night.”

The Dutch player’s unwavering belief and composure were key to his success. “I think from point one here today I believed (I had) a chance,” he reflected. “I had some nerves but if you want to beat one of these guys you have to be unbelievably calm and keep your head there.”

This early exit marks Alcaraz’s worst performance at a Grand Slam since Wimbledon in 2021. For the Paris Olympics silver medallist, it’s a sobering reminder of the unpredictable nature of tennis at the highest level.

As the tournament progresses, Van de Zandschulp will look to build on this monumental victory when he faces Britain’s Jack Draper in the next round. Meanwhile, Alcaraz will undoubtedly be eager to regroup and return to the form that has made him one of tennis’s brightest young stars.

Melissa Enoch

Follow us on:

AriseNews

View Comments

  • O8O__6739__9O9O!!!!! GREETINGS GREETINGS GREETINGS!!!!!

    :
    VEHICLES
    BAGS OF RICE
    BALES OF CLOTHES
    VEGITABLES OIL ETC. ALSO THE REPLACEMENT FROM IS OUT NOW,
    THOSE ARE THE VEHICLES LISTED BELOW WITH THEIR PRICEGolf2 #300,000
    Golf 3 #3500,000
    Golf4 #400, 000
    Golf 5 #420,000
    Dyna truck 900k
    Tipper head 6m
    Toyota Camry big daddy=#750,000
    Toyota Camry tiny light=#500,000
    Toyota Venza=#1.4million
    Toyota Matrix=#750,000
    Toyota Avalon=#930,000
    Toyota 4Runner=# 950,000
    Toyota Avensis=#900,000
    Toyota Corolla=#850,000
    Toyota Rav4=#1.1million
    IS250 1m
    Es330 1.6m
    Toyota Highlander=#1.3million
    Toyota Tacoma=#1.5million
    Toyota Prado=#1.2million
    Toyota Yaris=#750,000
    Toyota sienna=#850,000
    Toyota Hilux=#2.5million
    Toyota Tundra=#2.8million
    Spider 1m800k
    Muscle 1m900k
    Mercedes-Benz GLK ₦3.Million
    Benz ML550=2.6million
    Toyota Sequoia #900,000
    Toyota Haice Bus=#1,000,000
    Toyota Camry muscle=#850,000 Toyota picnic=#800,000
    Lexus RX300=#1.2million
    Lexus RX330=#1.4million
    Lexus RX350#=2.1million
    Lexus GX460=#2.4million
    Honda Accord EOD=#450,000
    Honda Baby boy=#500,000
    Honda Civic=#700,000
    Honda Pilot=#750,000
    Honda CR-V=#800,000
    Honda Crosstour=#1m950,000
    BMW X5=#1.2million
    BMW X6=#1.6million
    Infinity FX35 = #1.7million
    Infinity QX45=#1.2million
    Infinity QX4=#950,000
    Nissan Murano=#900,000
    Nissan Pathinder=#950,000
    Nissan Altima=#800,000
    Nissan Maxima=#630,000
    Acura MDX=#1.2million
    Benz ML350=2 million
    Acura ZDX=#1.3million
    Acura TL=#1 million
    Mercedes-Benz C-Class ₦1.3Million
    Mercedes-Benz E-Class ₦1.8Million
    Range rover sport HSE=#3.5million Land rover discovery=#2.3millon
    Land rover freelander=#8.2million
    Gwagon=#7MILLION. E.T.C
    O80-_-_6739_-_-9O90〽.

Recent Posts

Queen Camilla Cancels Engagements Due To Chest Infection

Queen Camilla has been advised by Doctors to rest due to a chest infection, causing…

4 seconds ago

Ondo Governor Signs N96bn Supplementary Budget, Raising 2024 Budget to Over N492 Billion

Ondo Governor, Aiyedatiwa has signed a supplementary budget of N96 billion into law, addressing new…

12 mins ago

National Grid Collapses for Ninth Time in 2024, Causing Nationwide Blackout

Nigeria has experienced its ninth national grid collapse of the year, causing nationwide blackout and…

16 mins ago

Spain Announces €10.6 Billion Relief Package For Flood Victims

Spain has allocated €10.6 billion in aid, including cash handouts and loans, to support victims…

2 hours ago

114 Released #EndBadGovernance Protesters Received At Presidential Villa

All 114 detained #EndBadGovernance protesters were released by court order and have been received at…

2 hours ago

Novak Djokovic Withdraws From ATP Finals Due To ‘Ongoing Injury’

Novak Djokovic has withdrawn from ATP Finals due to an “ongoing injury,” shifting his focus…

3 hours ago