The 74th-ranked Botic van de Zandschulp startled the tennis world on Thursday by thrashing the third-seeded Spaniard 6-1 7-5 6-4 in the second round at Flushing Meadows.
While many were still coming to terms with Alcaraz's demise, Alexei Popyrin caused another huge upset when he defeated reigning champion Djokovic 6-4 6-4 2-6 6-4 in the third round.
Despite the elimination of two of the biggest favorites, world No. 5 Medvedev comfortably advanced to the round of 16 after defeating Flavio Cobolli 6-3 6-4 6-3.
"Look, I stated before the game that I don't think upsets are that important. The requirements are a little complex. Perhaps the favorites have a smaller margin than the other players. Simply need to exercise more caution. I can win the entire tournament if I play solid tennis. I can lose to anyone if I don't play well. When questioned about the shocking eliminations at the US Open, the Russian tennis player said, "I simply have to play my best and try to win."
"Look, I stated before the game that I don't think upsets are that important. The requirements are a little complex. Perhaps the favorites have a smaller margin than the other players. Simply need to exercise more caution. I can win the entire tournament if I play solid tennis. I can lose to anyone if I don't play well. When questioned about the shocking eliminations at the US Open, the Russian tennis player said, "I simply have to play my best and try to win."
While Djokovic and Alcaraz's shocking early US Open losses are undoubtedly shocking, there were plenty of plausible explanations for everything that went wrong.
Both had very little time to prepare before the US Open and were likely worn out from their matches in the Wimbledon and Olympic finals in Paris.
And given that the 24-time Grand Slam champion himself acknowledged that he wasn't at his best at Flushing Meadows, it's safe to say that both physical and mental exhaustion had some influence.
Now, to recuperate, Djokovic and Alcaraz will probably take a break from tennis for a while before picking up where they left off and getting ready for the indoor swing.
Both had very little time to prepare before the US Open and were likely worn out from their matches in the Wimbledon and Olympic finals in Paris.
And given that the 24-time Grand Slam champion himself acknowledged that he wasn't at his best at Flushing Meadows, it's safe to say that both physical and mental exhaustion had some influence.
Now, to recuperate, Djokovic and Alcaraz will probably take a break from tennis for a while before picking up where they left off and getting ready for the indoor swing.