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Major shock at US Open as favourite Carlos Alcaraz dumped out in straight sets

Unseeded Dutchman Botic van de Zandschulp seals an incredible victory over the thee-time grand slam winner in second round

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Carlos Alcaraz acknowledges the crowd after his surprise defeat to unseeded Dutchman Botic van de Zandschulp in the US Open second round. Photo: AP

Spanish superstar Carlos Alcaraz was knocked out of the US Open by Dutch world No 74 Botic van de Zandschulp in a seismic second round upset on Thursday.

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World No 3 and 2022 champion Alcaraz lost 6-1, 7-5, 6-4, to end his bid to become only the third man in the modern era to win the French Open, Wimbledon and US Open in the same season.

Alcaraz had made at least the quarter-finals in his three previous appearances in New York and Thursday’s defeat was his earliest exit at a grand slam since a second round exit at Wimbledon in 2021.

“I’m a little lost for words,” said Van de Zandschulp after only his second career win over a top five player. “It was an incredible evening out here in my first time in the night session on Arthur Ashe.

“I had some unbelievable points at the net. I tried to stay calm.

Botic van de Zandschulp and Carlos Alcaraz meet at the net after the Dutchman’s stunning victory at the US Open. Photo: AFP
Botic van de Zandschulp and Carlos Alcaraz meet at the net after the Dutchman’s stunning victory at the US Open. Photo: AFP

“You have to keep your head against these guys otherwise they will take advantage.”

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