Major upset at the 2024 US Open! Carlos Alcaraz, ranked third in the world and the champion of the 2022 edition, faced an unexpected defeat in the second round in New York, losing to Dutch player Botic Van De Zandschulp, ranked 74th, with scores of 6-1, 7-5, and 6-4 in a match that lasted two hours and 19 minutes.
This outcome is undoubtedly one of the most stunning in recent times, given the players involved, the tournament’s significance, and the round in which it occurred. Following this loss, Alcaraz remains at number three in the live rankings, but he will not have the opportunity to improve his position.
Moreover, he has already been surpassed by Alexander Zverev, who is now virtually ranked second, and depending on the results at Flushing Meadows, both Novak Djokovic and Daniil Medvedev could potentially move above Alcaraz in the rankings as well.
It’s worth noting that Alcaraz was defending points earned last year after reaching the semifinals, where he lost to Medvedev. The Russian and Djokovic fought in the final of that edition and will need to advance several rounds to surpass the Spaniard. Regardless of the outcomes in the U.S., Jannik Sinner will remain atop the rankings.