In a jaw-dropping upset, World No. 3 Carlos Alcaraz tumbled out of the 2024 US Open in the second round, defeated 6-1, 7-5, 6-4 by Dutchman Botic van de Zandschulp. The loss, Alcaraz’s earliest Grand Slam exit since Wimbledon 2021, stunned fans and analysts, with the 21-year-old’s lackluster performance and his coaching team’s muted response fueling intense scrutiny.
Alcaraz, a three-time Grand Slam champion, has soared under coach Juan Carlos Ferrero’s guidance since 2018. His meteoric rise includes breaking into the Top 100 in 2021, becoming the first teenager since Andy Murray to crack the Top 10, and securing titles at the 2022 US Open, 2023 Wimbledon, and 2023 Roland Garros. Entering the 2024 US Open, expectations were sky-high for another deep run.
Yet, against van de Zandschulp, Alcaraz faltered. The Dutchman, ranked significantly lower, dominated in just over two hours, breaking Alcaraz’s serve twice in the first set and capitalizing on errors throughout. Despite a brief fightback in the third set, Alcaraz couldn’t recover, ending his 15-match Grand Slam winning streak and tarnishing his 16-2 US Open record. Previously, Alcaraz had beaten van de Zandschulp comfortably in 2021 (Australian Open) and 2022 (Basel), making the upset even more shocking.
Alcaraz’s uncharacteristic errors and subdued demeanor stood out. Known for his vibrant energy, he appeared detached, a shift that fans and commentators, including Jose Morgado, criticized sharply. Morgado noted Alcaraz’s “poor body language,” nearly as troubling as his tennis. Fans also zeroed in on Ferrero’s unusually quiet presence, with one remarking, “His box looks like they’re at a funeral.” Alcaraz’s agent, Albert Molina, typically vocal, was similarly reserved, prompting speculation about team dynamics or burnout.
In the post-match press conference, Alcaraz hinted at exhaustion from a grueling season, including an Olympic silver medal, Roland Garros, Wimbledon, and other events. “The tennis schedule is so tight. I thought a short break would be enough, but maybe it wasn’t,” he admitted, careful not to lean on excuses. Fans echoed this, suggesting his team should have urged him to skip smaller tournaments like Cincinnati to rest.
For van de Zandschulp, the win was a career pinnacle. Playing his first night session at Arthur Ashe Stadium, he stayed composed, later saying, “I tried to stay calm, which you have to do against these top players.” His precision outshone Alcaraz’s struggles, reflected in the Spaniard’s dismal stats: 60% first-serve points won, 54% on second serves, and only two of five break points converted.
The fallout has sparked debate about Alcaraz’s schedule and support system. While one off day doesn’t define a player of his caliber, the intense reactions underscore the pressure he faces as tennis’ rising star. As he moves forward, Alcaraz must navigate not just his game but the weight of expectations in a sport that never sleeps.