Hey there, fellow tennis fans It’s Mia Johnson-Carter here, and I’m super excited to share with you an incredible story from the US Open. Just two and a half months after taking down Spanish legend Carlos Alcaraz, Dutch player Botic van de Zandschulp might face another tennis icon, Rafael Nadal, at the upcoming Davis Cup Finals in Malaga.
Van de Zandschulp’s victory over Alcaraz at the US Open was nothing short of stunning. In straight sets, 6-1, 7-5, 6-4, he defeated the world No. 3 and 2022 champion. This win marked Alcaraz’s first loss at a Major tournament after 15 consecutive victories, including Roland Garros and Wimbledon.
Botic van de Zandschulp’s moment of glory against Alcaraz at Arthur Ashe Stadium was truly memorable. Despite his win, he admitted that Alcaraz would always be the favorite in their future matches. The Dutchman’s game made Alcaraz uncomfortable, as he struggled with his rhythm throughout the match.
Van de Zandschulp played flawlessly behind his first serve but struggled on the second. He faced five break points but lost serve only twice, mounting significant pressure on Alcaraz. The Dutchman imposed his strokes on the return, taking 43% of the points and delivering six breaks from nine opportunities. He welcomed over 30 unforced mistakes from Alcaraz and drew more forced errors.
The outsider made a thrilling start, outplaying Alcaraz on serve and return, dominating the scoreboard early on. Alcaraz lost an extended point in the second game of the match and sprayed a backhand error to drop serve and fall 2-0 behind. Van de Zandschulp climbed back from 0-30 in the third game and closed it with a cracking backhand winner for 3-0.
In the second set, Van de Zandschulp continued to impress by building a massive advantage. He welcomed Alcaraz’s loose forehand in the third game, earning a break and moving a set and a break in front. Despite serving well in the next six games, Van de Zandschulp provided a fine hold at 4-5 for more drama. He made a push on the return in game 11 and created two break points after Alcaraz’s wayward forehand. The Spaniard hit a double fault on the first, falling 6-5 behind. Alcaraz sprayed more errors in the 12th game, allowing Van de Zandschulp to serve out for the set at love and forge a 6-1, 7-5 advantage after an hour and 28 minutes.
In the third set, both players served well initially, bringing the scoreboard to 2-2. However, Alcaraz missed a drop shot in the fifth game and faced two break points. He placed another forehand wide, losing serve and moving closer to defeat. Van de Zandschulp maintained his composure, drawing Alcaraz’s mistake for three break points and converting the second after a wild forehand from the world No. 3. This opened up a 5-4 gap for Van de Zandschulp, who then served for his career-best victory in the tenth game.
Van de Zandschulp showed no signs of nerves as he passed Alcaraz at the net for three match points. He fired a service winner on the first, sealing the deal in grand style and sending the 2022 champion packing.
“I beat Carlos in New York, but he will always be the favorite if we meet in the future,” said Van de Zandschulp. “I played well at the US Open, and my game made him uncomfortable. Carlos played below his best and looked a bit dull and lethargic.”
This win by Van de Zandschulp has sent shockwaves through the tennis community, especially with the upcoming Davis Cup Finals where he could face Rafael Nadal in what would be an epic showdown.
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