Unseeded Dutchman Botic van de Zandschulp brought about an almighty US Open upset by gorgeous Carlos Alcaraz 6-1 7-5 6-4 within the second spherical on Thursday night time.
The world No 3 got here into the match in New York aiming to make it three Grand Slam titles in a row, having triumphed on the French Open and Wimbledon.
However Alcaraz by no means recovered from a shaky begin and made various unforced errors all through the competition as Van de Zandschulp ended the Spaniard’s hopes with the results of his life.
It was Alcaraz’s first loss within the second spherical of a serious since 2021 at Wimbledon, the place the then-world No 75 fell to second seed Daniil Medvedev.
Van de Zandschulp will subsequent play British No 1 Jack Draper within the third spherical Saturday – stay on Sky Sports activities Tennis.
“Actually I am a little bit lost for words. It’s been an incredible evening here,” stated Van de Zandschulp. “I believe from level one right here immediately I believed (I had) an opportunity.
“I had some nerves but I think if you want to beat one of these guys you have to be unbelievably calm and keep your head there.”
The 21-year-old was on the again foot early on as Van de Zandschulp claimed the opening three video games with some resolute defending from the again of the courtroom, and the Dutchman broke once more en path to taking the primary set.
Alcaraz, the four-time Grand Slam winner, struggled to shut out factors with Van de Zandschulp breaking for a 2-1 lead.
A tactical tweak to return serve from deeper helped Alcaraz hit again instantly however the 2022 champion gifted his opponent one other break with a double fault and Van de Zandschulp went on to comfortably double his benefit within the match.
After briefly leaving the courtroom earlier than the third set, Alcaraz discovered himself in deeper bother after a wayward forehand handed Van de Zandschulp a break.
He replied and located his smile once more, however Van de Zandschulp acquired his nostril in entrance and accomplished a surprising upset on serve.
What’s developing on Sky Sports activities Tennis in September?
- Jasmin Open, Tunisia – WTA 250 (9-15 September)
- Guadalajara Open, Mexico – WTA 500 (9-15 September)
- Korea Open – WTA 500 (16 -22 September – with Emma Raducanu in motion)
- Thailand Open – WTA 250 (16 -22 September)
- Chengdu Open, China – ATP 250 (18-24 September)
- Hangzhou Open, China – ATP 250 (18-24 September)
- China Open – WTA 1000 (Sept 25 – Oct 6)
- Japan Open – ATP 500 (Sept 25 – Oct 1)
- China Open – ATP 500 (Sept 26 – Oct 2)
Sky Sports activities+ has formally launched and will likely be built-in into Sky TV, streaming service NOW and the Sky Sports activities app, giving Sky Sports activities prospects entry to over 50 per cent extra stay sport this yr at no additional price. Discover out extra right here.
