Botic van de Zandschulp Stuns Carlos Alcaraz in New York and Other Shocking ATP Upsets of 2024

The Biggest ATP Upsets of 2024: Underdogs Who Shocked the Tennis World

The 2024 tennis season was filled with surprising moments that captured the attention of fans and experts alike. Several underdog players rose to the occasion and delivered shocking upsets on some of the sport’s biggest stages. From incredible performances to historic victories, the ATP circuit showcased that anything can happen on the tennis court. Here are five of the most surprising and memorable upsets of the 2024 season.

5. Luca Nardi Defeats Novak Djokovic at Indian Wells

One of the most shocking moments of 2024 came at the BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells, where Luca Nardi, a 20-year-old Italian ranked No. 123 in the world, stunned Novak Djokovic in the second round. Nardi entered the tournament as a lucky loser, relatively unknown to most fans, but he put on a fearless display to defeat Djokovic 6-4, 3-6, 6-3. This victory made Nardi the lowest-ranked player ever to defeat Djokovic in a Masters 1000 or Grand Slam event.

Nardi’s performance was incredible, as he hit six aces and 34 winners, which was double the number Djokovic managed. His calm and confident approach was impressive, especially considering the magnitude of the match and the opponent he was facing. After the win, Nardi described it as a “miracle,” and it was a moment that made tennis fans sit up and take notice of the young Italian’s potential.

4. Andrey Rublev Defeats Carlos Alcaraz at the Madrid Open

Andrey Rublev had an up-and-down start to 2024, but his performance at the Mutua Madrid Open was a turning point. Rublev, who had lost four matches in a row before the tournament, faced Carlos Alcaraz in the quarterfinals. In a stunning comeback, Rublev bounced back from a set down to defeat Alcaraz 4-6, 6-3, 6-2, snapping the Spaniard’s 14-match winning streak at the tournament.

This win was significant for Rublev as it marked his first victory over a Top 3 player since 2022. Rublev’s victory not only helped him capture his second Masters 1000 title but also gave him confidence that would carry him through the rest of the season.

3. Taylor Fritz Defeats Alexander Zverev at Wimbledon

In one of the most dramatic matches of the year, Taylor Fritz upset Alexander Zverev in the fourth round of Wimbledon. Fritz had lost five of their previous eight encounters, but he pulled off a five-set thriller, winning 4-6, 6-7(4), 6-4, 7-6(3), 6-3. Zverev, battling a knee injury, struggled to maintain his usual high level, and Fritz took full advantage.

The match was filled with tension, and after the win, Zverev criticized some of the behavior from Fritz’s player box, adding even more drama to an already intense encounter. Fritz’s victory was not just a personal achievement, but also a symbolic moment for American tennis, as he continued to show his ability to perform on the biggest stages.

2. Daniil Medvedev Defeats Jannik Sinner at Wimbledon

Daniil Medvedev had struggled against Jannik Sinner in recent matchups, but at Wimbledon, Medvedev broke his losing streak with a thrilling victory in the quarterfinals. After losing five straight matches to Sinner, Medvedev triumphed 6-7(5), 6-3, 6-7(7), 6-3, 6-4, in a match that lasted over four hours.

Despite Sinner’s physical dominance and resilience, Medvedev’s steady play and ability to stay focused under pressure were crucial in his victory. This win marked Medvedev’s first Top 5 victory of the season and helped him secure a place in the semifinals, where he would go on to continue his strong run at Wimbledon.

1. Botic van de Zandschulp Defeats Carlos Alcaraz at the US Open

The most stunning upset of 2024 came in the second round of the US Open, where Botic van de Zandschulp knocked out Carlos Alcaraz, the reigning Wimbledon and French Open champion, in straight sets, 6-1, 7-5, 6-4. Alcaraz, who had been in stellar form throughout the year, was completely outplayed by van de Zandschulp, who had been struggling with form earlier in the season and even contemplated retirement after a series of disappointing results.

Van de Zandschulp’s composed and steady play completely neutralized Alcaraz’s game, leaving the Spaniard frustrated and unable to find his rhythm. The win was a huge confidence boost for the Dutchman and a remarkable display of resilience after a difficult year.

The 2024 ATP season was full of surprises, with underdogs like Luca Nardi, Andrey Rublev, Taylor Fritz, Daniil Medvedev, and Botic van de Zandschulp delivering some of the most shocking upsets in recent memory. These players proved that anything can happen on the tennis court, and their victories will be remembered as some of the most thrilling moments of the year.