Alex de Minaur Shockingly Exits US Open in Second Round

Alex de Minaur’s US Open ended with a jolt, not a deep run.

In a result described in Australia as a genuine surprise, the country’s top hope crashed out in the second round, beaten in straight sets by Dutch opponent Botic van de Zandschulp.

Over two hours and 43 minutes, de Minaur searched for rhythm. Van de Zandschulp found it first and never really let it go.

The Dutchman prevailed 6-4, 7-5, 6-2, winning every set and shutting down any prospect of a trademark de Minaur fightback. For an Australian used to clawing his way out of trouble, there was no escape route this time.

The pattern set early. Van de Zandschulp edged the opening set 6-4, his heavier ball and cleaner hitting giving him just enough separation in the key moments. De Minaur chased, retrieved, stretched rallies as he always does, but the Dutchman kept landing the final blow.

The second set turned into the hinge of the match. De Minaur pushed harder, stayed closer on the scoreboard, and had chances to tilt the contest. Van de Zandschulp held his nerve, squeezing out a 7-5 set that felt bigger than the numbers on the board. The pressure finally told on the Australian’s serve, and the door slammed shut.

From there, the third set raced away. Van de Zandschulp tightened his grip, running through it 6-2 to complete a straight-sets victory that sent de Minaur out of New York far earlier than many had forecast.

ABC News Australia labelled the defeat unexpected, and that’s the sting: this was supposed to be another step forward at a major, not a second-round full stop.

Instead, de Minaur leaves the US Open with a 6-4, 7-5, 6-2 scoreline against his name and a clear reminder of how unforgiving this stage can be.