Carlos Alcaraz has been stunned at the US Open by Botic van de Zandschulp, falling 6-1, 7-5, 6-4 to the Dutchman in a shocking straight-sets match on Wednesday.
Alcaraz, the winner of the French Open and Wimbledon this year, never really got going here at Arthur Ashe as his opponent stretched the court – but his own decision making was to blame at times as well.
The Spanish superstar conceded 27 unforced errors as his tournament ended far earlier than expected, with one ill-advised drop shot which struck the net down 15-30, with the third set tied 2-2 during his service (he was subsequently broken), serving as an apt symbol for his disappointing night.
Nick Kyrgios advised Alcaraz to tone down his showmanship before the match, and perhaps he had a point.
The Spaniard at one point cupped his ear to the crowd in the third set after forcing a deuce – he was of course down two sets to one, and lost the game immediately after before van de Zandschulp earned a shocking break to set up him serving out the match.
More to follow
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