Botic van de Zandschulp stunned the tennis world by defeating Carlos Alcaraz in straight sets (6-1, 7-5, 6-4) during the second round of the US Open. This marks Alcaraz's earliest Grand Slam exit since 2021, breaking his 15-match winning streak in major tournaments this year. Van de Zandschulp, who has battled significant injuries and had considered retirement, expressed disbelief and joy at his achievement. Alcaraz cited fatigue from a packed schedule, including wins at the French Open, Wimbledon, and a silver medal at the Olympics, as a factor in his loss. The upset reshapes the tournament landscape, potentially benefiting other high-seeded players like Jannik Sinner and Alex de Minaur. This victory is one of the biggest upsets in recent US Open history and a significant milestone for Van de Zandschulp's career.