Carlos Alcaraz’s Shocking US Open Loss to Botic van de Zandschulp Raises Questions

NEW YORK — Fans and experts alike were left in disbelief as Carlos Alcaraz suffered an unexpected exit from the U.S. Open. The 21-year-old player, who is already a four-time Grand Slam champion—including a victory at Flushing Meadows as a teenager—was widely anticipated to turn the match around.

Entering the tournament as the favorite, Alcaraz had a remarkable winning streak of 15 matches at major events. His successful summer included triumphs at both the French Open and Wimbledon, in addition to earning a silver medal at the Paris Olympics. Yet, against the 74th-ranked Botic van de Zandschulp, Alcaraz faltered unexpectedly.

The Dutch player secured a stunning win in straight sets—6-1, 7-5, 6-4—leaving spectators shocked not only by the outcome but also by the ease with which Van de Zandschulp achieved it.

In the wake of the loss, Alcaraz expressed his concerns, revealing a sense of mental burden. “Instead of taking steps forward, I’ve taken steps back mentally. I can’t understand the reason why,” he said during a post-match conference. His expressions of confusion and defeat were evident.

It was clear that Alcaraz struggled to find his rhythm on the court. “I couldn’t see the ball well. … I couldn’t hit it properly. It’s quite a weird sensation,” he reflected. He acknowledged his mental state wasn’t strong, stating that managing difficult moments had become a challenge for him.

Facing him was Van de Zandschulp, a 28-year-old who had considered retirement just a few months prior. Coming into the U.S. Open with a less-than-stellar season record of 11-18, he had not achieved back-to-back victories in any tour-level tournament this year. His career highlights include reaching the quarterfinals at the U.S. Open three years ago, which made his current achievement even more astounding.

Van de Zandschulp admitted he expected the match to shift in Alcaraz’s favor at any moment. “Even in the third, you’re thinking, like, ‘He’s going to come up with something special,’” he shared. “I actually was thinking that the whole match.” Yet, Alcaraz remained unable to find his footing.

Post-match, Alcaraz could not articulate why he could not regain control or discover a strategy to turn the tide. “Today I was playing against the opponent, and I was playing against myself, in my mind,” he explained, mentioning the emotional turmoil he was battling internally.

When a reporter mentioned the possibility of exhaustion affecting his performance, Alcaraz acknowledged the toll of a packed tennis schedule. Transitioning from the clay courts of Roland Garros to grass at Wimbledon, then to the clay of the Olympics, and back to the hard courts of North America may have drained his energy more than he anticipated.

“Probably, I came here with not as much energy as I thought that I was going to (have),” he admitted, although he emphasized not wanting to use that as an excuse. This loss adds to a troubling period for Alcaraz, as he has lost three of his last four matches, raising questions about his readiness for the upcoming Australian Open in January.

Following his emotional Olympic final defeat to Novak Djokovic, the pressure seems amplified. Additionally, his performance at the Cincinnati Open, where he struggled with his emotions and smashed his racket in frustration, indicates an ongoing struggle navigating the competitive landscape.

Nonetheless, Alcaraz may find solace in the fact that only two players in the last 55 years have accomplished winning the Grand Slam titles in Paris, London, and New York in the same year: Rod Laver in 1969 and Rafael Nadal in 2010. This provides perspective on the high bar he has set for himself.

In navigating his current situation, Alcaraz recognizes the need for self-reflection and growth. “I have to think about it,” he noted. “I have to learn from it … if I want to improve.”

While the path forward may be challenging, Alcaraz’s resilience will be critical as he prepares for future tournaments.