US Open, 2nd round, Friday, 30.08.2024, 02:30
There are many title favorites, but is there ONE? The US Open finally got underway a few days ago and a glance at the bookmakers reveals that Novak Djokovic and Carlos Alcaraz are right at the front.
The Spaniard has already surprised everyone in New York, as he actually dropped a set! He wants to improve his performance in round 2 and not waste any unnecessary energy. My prediction in the Alcaraz van de Zandschulp tip: It will work, an outright win is more than realistic!
Wimbledon twice and the French Open once, plus the US Open once? At the age of 21, Carlos Alcaraz no longer has to ask himself what he will win, but only WHEN the trophies will be won.
He was already at the top in London and Paris in 2024 and is now aiming for his third major title within a year. Together with Novak Djokovic, he is considered the top favorite, and if you want to bet on him winning major number three in the end, you can secure odds of 2.95 at Betano.
Of course, he is still a long way away from the final, as we are now in the second round. The world number three started off against Li Tu, which should be a no-brainer?
Somehow it was, although Alcaraz actually dropped a set. He won 6-2, 4-6, 6-3, 6-1 and at no point in the match did you get the feeling that he didn’t have his opponent under control.
Had Alcaraz not only used seven of his 19 break chances, the match might have been over sooner. The 61% successful first serves could also be improved somewhat.
With the 21-year-old, we generally have the feeling that he always knows exactly how much he has to do against which opponent in order to win in the end without any difficulties.
Nobody can imagine Alcaraz failing early in a Grand Slam anyway. He has competed in New York three times so far, always finishing at least in the top eight
The youngster is not someone who only ever achieves smooth, clear victories. In 2022, when he won in the end, he had to go into the full five sets THREE times and expend all his energy.
So for many, the only question is how quickly Alcaraz can win against van de Zandschulp. No wonder, if we take a quick look at the history. There have been two duels that the favorite won 6-1, 6-4, 6-4 and 6-4, 6-2.
And that’s why our German bookmakers are offering odds of 1.02 to 15.0. Botic van de Zandschulp’s chance is ultimately the one that doesn’t actually exist.
Three years ago, the Dutchman surprised everyone here in New York, including himself. As a qualifier, he stormed through to the quarter-finals, where he ultimately lost in four sets to Daniil Medvedev.
He was unable to repeat this moment, as he was knocked out in the 2nd round in both 2022 and 2023 – a triple was imminent! All the stronger, however, was what the 28-year-old showed in round 1, when he won 6-4, 7-5, 6-4 against Denis Shapovalov.
In an intense match, he always kept his cool and made the most of 60% of his break chances. However, I wouldn’t say he’s in top form, but rather one that fluctuates a lot.
I count two final appearances since Wimbledon. Sounds great, but firstly, Van de Zandschulp lost both matches and secondly, the tournaments were Challengers and a player from the Alcaraz category wasn’t even there.
In Winston-Salem, the Dutchman promptly failed right at the start, losing 1-6, 6-7 to Arthur Cazaux. How many victories have he won in his three major tournaments so far? Just one, won against Liam Broady at Wimbledon
My Alcaraz van de Zandschulp tip
Carlos Alcaraz wants nothing less than the New York title and quite a few people are of the opinion that the first rounds will be a walk in the park. After the four sets against Li Tu, it’s Botic van de Zandschulp’s turn.
Certainly a tougher opponent, but the Dutchman is not in top form and that’s exactly what you have to be as an outsider when you’re up against one of the best. I therefore don’t think a close match is very likely and make my predictions:
Alcaraz wins easily against van de Zandschulp!
