Stunning Upsets and Smooth Sailing: Drama Unfolds at U.S. Open

Former champion Carlos Alcaraz was unexpectedly defeated in straight sets by Botic van de Zandschulp at the U.S. Open. While top seeds Jannik Sinner and Iga Swiatek advanced with ease, other players faced various challenges. Notable matches included Naomi Osaka's loss and Daniil Medvedev's victory, with Americans Jessica Pegula and Tommy Paul also progressing.

Former champion Carlos Alcaraz faced a shocking straight-sets defeat by world number 74 Botic van de Zandschulp at the U.S. Open on Thursday.

Meanwhile, top seeds Jannik Sinner and Iga Swiatek advanced to the third round with minimal effort. Alcaraz, expected to extend his 15-match Grand Slam winning streak, lost 6-1 7-5 6-4, failing to recover from a poor start.

Van de Zandschulp is the first Dutchman since Richard Krajicek to defeat a top-three player at a major. He will face Britain's Jack Draper next.

Earlier, Poland's Swiatek defeated Japanese qualifier Ena Shibahara 6-0 6-1 in just over an hour. She will next play unseeded Russian Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova. Australian Open winner Sinner dispatched American Alex Michelsen 6-4 6-0 6-2, securing his 30th hardcourt win of the year in 99 minutes.

Sinner, who faced controversy after failing two drug tests earlier this year, recently fired both his physio and trainer. He aims to replace them soon.

In another key match, twice champion Naomi Osaka was defeated by Czech Karolina Muchova 6-3 7-6(5), marking another setback in her return after a 15-month maternity break. Muchova will next play Russian Anastasia Potapova.

Former champion Daniil Medvedev progressed past Hungarian Fabian Marozsan 6-3 6-2 7-6. Americans Jessica Pegula and Tommy Paul boosted home hopes by advancing, while compatriot Sebastian Korda crashed out.

Defending champion Coco Gauff will open the action at Arthur Ashe against Ukrainian Elina Svitolina on Friday. Lastly, Ben Shelton and Frances Tiafoe are set for an all-American third-round showdown, promising fireworks.

(With inputs from agencies.)