Carlos Alcaraz’s meteoric rise in tennis has been nothing short of spectacular. The 21-year-old Spaniard ended 2024 with four Grand Slam titles under his belt, including two this year at the French Open and Wimbledon. However, Alcaraz’s journey hasn’t been without setbacks, and one name stands out as an unlikely rival who has repeatedly disrupted his dreams: Botic van de Zandschulp.
Here's ads banner inside a post
The Dutchman, ranked far outside the top 150 in 2021, was the first player Alcaraz faced in a Grand Slam. Three years later, Van de Zandschulp not only eliminated Alcaraz from the US Open but also played a key role in breaking his heart at the Davis Cup, in a year full of highs and lows for the young Spaniard.
The Beginning: Alcaraz’s Grand Slam Debut
In 2021, a 17-year-old Carlos Alcaraz made his Grand Slam debut at the Australian Open. Hailed as the “next Rafael Nadal,” the teenager faced Botic van de Zandschulp in the opening round. Alcaraz’s talent was evident as he dominated the match 6-1, 6-4, 6-4 to secure his first Grand Slam victory. Although he lost in the second round, the match marked the start of a glittering career.
Van de Zandschulp, however, didn’t take long to find his own Grand Slam success. Later that year, he made a deep run at the US Open, defeating higher-ranked players like Casper Ruud and Diego Schwartzman before falling to eventual champion Daniil Medvedev in the quarterfinals.
Here's ads banner inside a post
A Shocking Upset: US Open 2024
Fast forward to 2024, and the tables had turned. Alcaraz entered the US Open as one of the favorites, having won Wimbledon and the French Open earlier in the year. However, in the second round, he faced Van de Zandschulp once again. This time, the Dutchman delivered a stunning upset, defeating Alcaraz in straight sets. It was Alcaraz’s worst Grand Slam result in years and a career-defining victory for Van de Zandschulp.
The Final Blow: Davis Cup Heartbreak
The rivalry reached its emotional peak later that year during the Davis Cup. Alcaraz and Rafael Nadal teamed up to represent Spain, with Alcaraz hoping to give his idol a fitting farewell in what was likely Nadal’s final appearance in the competition.
In the quarterfinals against the Netherlands, Nadal lost his singles match to Van de Zandschulp, setting the stage for a crucial doubles decider. Alcaraz and his partner Marcel Granollers fought valiantly but ultimately fell short in two closely contested tiebreak sets. The loss ended Nadal’s Davis Cup career and shattered Alcaraz’s dream of keeping his idol in the sport a little longer.
Here's ads banner inside a post
A Rivalry for the Ages
Despite the heartbreak, Alcaraz ended the year as one of the top players in the world, while Van de Zandschulp continued to defy expectations. The Dutchman’s resilience and ability to step up in big moments make this an unlikely but compelling rivalry.
As fans look ahead to 2025, the prospect of another Alcaraz-Van de Zandschulp showdown looms large. Whether it’s on the Grand Slam stage or another high-stakes match, their story is far from over.
