US Open: Alcaraz stunned as Van de Zandschulp causes Flushing Meadows upset

By Sports Desk August 30, 2024

Carlos Alcaraz suffered a shock defeat to Botic Van de Zandschulp at the US Open.

Alcaraz, the French Open and Wimbledon champion, had been tipped to win a third major of the year at Flushing Meadows.

However, the Spaniard's hopes of becoming just the third player to win the French Open, Wimbledon and US Open in the same season were dashed by unseeded Dutchman Van de Zandschulp in the second round.

Van de Zandschulp prevailed 6-1 7-5 6-4 to cause the tournament's first huge shock.

"I think my level stayed at the same point all the match," said Alcaraz, who had won his previous 15 grand slam matches.

"It wasn't enough to win the match or to give myself the chance to get into the match or try to give myself chances.

"I didn't feel well hitting the ball. I think I made a lot of mistakes. When I wanted to come back, it was too late.

"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.

"I came here with not as much energy as I thought that I was going to come with. But I don't want to put that as an excuse."

Data Debrief: Dutch delight

This was Van de Zandschulp's second career win over a top-five opponent, as he became just the second Dutch player to achieve that feat at the US Open, while he is the first from his nation to defeat a top-three player since 1991. 

Indeed, Van de Zandschulp, who will face Jack Draper next, snapped a 43-match losing streak for Dutch players against ATP top 10 opponents at the majors.

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    Jannik Sinner beat Australia's Christopher O'Connell in straight sets to reach the fourth round of the US Open on Saturday, avoiding a similar fate to Carlos Alcaraz and Novak Djokovic.

    The men's draw at Flushing Meadows has been blown wide open by early exits for Alcaraz and Djokovic, but the top seed remains in the hunt after a composed performance.

    He reached the fourth round for a fourth consecutive year with a routine 6-1 6-4 6-2 victory, setting the tone with several huge groundstrokes in the opening set.

    O'Connell never looked likely to fight back as Sinner smashed 46 winners in a ruthless performance, wrapping up his win in one hour and 56 minutes.

    The Australian Open champion will face either Tommy Paul or Gabriel Diallo for a place in the last eight, and he was relieved to survive an opening week full of surprises.

    "Everything can happen in this sport, so I try to stay on my side of the net and I'm trying to take the tournament day by day," Sinner said in his on-court interview after the win. 

    "Each opponent is a very tough challenge and [I am] also enjoying every moment on the court. There have been already a couple of upsets, so let's see what's coming.

    "But I'm very happy to still be here and hopefully I can play as many matches as possible. But as I said, we go day by day and then we'll see how it goes."

    Data Debrief: Sinner heating up

    Sinner lost his first set of the tournament to Mackenzie McDonald but has been largely untouchable since then.

    He has only lost 18 games across his last nine sets of tennis, an average of two per set.

    The Italian's winning streak now stands at seven straight matches, meanwhile, following his triumphant Cincinnati Open run.

  • US Open: Sabalenka overcomes first set scare to progress in late start US Open: Sabalenka overcomes first set scare to progress in late start

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    Sabalenka emerged on court at the Arthur Ashe Stadium at seven minutes past midnight following Novak Djokovic's shock exit from the tournament, and consecutive upsets looked to be on the cards. 

    However, the Belarusian responded from a disappointing opening set as she looks to avenge her defeat in the showpiece match against Coco Gauff a year ago.

    The world number two set up a meeting with Belgium's Elise Mertens as she emerged a 2-6 6-1 6-2 victor in one hour and 40 minutes in New York. 

    "I don't know what I did, I was just trying to stay low, put as many balls as I can back on that side," Sabalenka said. 

    "She played incredible tennis in the first set. It was really tough to change it."

    "I'm really happy I was able to turn around this match and get this really difficult win. Thanks so much for staying that late."

    Data Debrief: Sabalenka survives late, late show

    Sabalenka's encounter with Alexandrova was the latest starting match at the US Open, beating Gabriela Sabatini and Beverley Bowes' meeting in 1987 that started at midnight.

    The Belarusian, however, will be hoping for a much improved performance in the next round, having produced 27 unforced errors throughout the contest and serving four double faults.

  • US Open: Djokovic played 'worst tennis ever' in Popyrin loss US Open: Djokovic played 'worst tennis ever' in Popyrin loss

    Defending US Open champion Novak Djokovic suffered a shock exit at Flushing Meadows as he lost in four sets to Alexei Popyrin. 

    Djokovic arrived at the tournament with confidence following his gold medal triumph at the Paris Olympics, and was tipped to lift a record-extending 25th grand slam title.

    However, the Serbian's hopes of a fifth success in New York were dashed as he followed fellow favourite Carlos Alcaraz out of the competition in the third round. 

    Popyrin emerged victorious in three hours and 18 minutes, prevailing 6-4 6-4 2-6 6-4 to confirm Djokovic's earliest exit from the tournament in 18 years.

    "I have played some of the worst tennis I have ever played," Djokovic said.

    "Honestly, the way I felt and the way I played from the beginning of this tournament, third round is a success."

    "I tried my best, I didn't have any physical issues. I just felt out of gas, and you could see that. From the first match, I just didn't find myself on this court.

    "Life moves on. I'll try to recalibrate and look forward to what's next."

    Data Debrief: Another one bites the dust

    Djokovic was far from his clinical best, serving a career-high 14 double faults in a grand slam match and committing 49 unforced errors.

    The Serbian will also end the year without winning a grand slam title, the first time he has done so since 2017.

    But the day belonged to Popyrin, saving 12 of the 16 break points he faced against the world number two, finding particular success with his forehand as 31 of his 49 winners came from that shot.

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