Tennis, a sport known for its intense competition and unpredictable nature, witnessed some of the most astonishing moments in 2024. As the season came to a close and 2025 loomed on the horizon, we take a deep dive into six seismic shocks that left the tennis world in awe.

Unforgettable Moments that Shook the Tennis World in 2024

ATP: Botic van de Zandschulp's Upset over Carlos Alcaraz at US Open R2

In the men's tennis arena, few shocks were as significant as Botic van de Zandschulp's defeat of Carlos Alcaraz in the second round of the US Open. Alcaraz, the third seed and a heavy favorite having won the French Open and Wimbledon earlier in the summer, seemed destined for glory. However, on that fateful day, the Spaniard appeared emotionally flat and far from his best. In contrast, van de Zandschulp, ranked 74th at the time, played close to his peak. The Dutchman showed no signs of intimidation and ultimately sealed a remarkable victory, prevailing with a scoreline of 6-1, 7-5, 6-4. This unexpected turn of events sent shockwaves through the tennis community and demonstrated that even the top players can be toppled.Another aspect that added to the surprise was the contrast in their playing styles. Alcaraz is known for his aggressive and powerful game, while van de Zandschulp adopted a more patient and strategic approach. This difference in tactics played a crucial role in the outcome of the match, highlighting the importance of adaptability in tennis.

WTA: Zheng Qinwen's Triumph over Iga Swiatek at Olympic Games SF

At first glance, Zheng Qinwen's victory over Iga Swiatek in the Olympic Games semifinal may not seem like a major shock. After all, Qinwen had achieved remarkable feats before and after this win. But when one considers Swiatek's dominance and the heavy favoritism she carried into the tournament, this becomes one of the most significant surprises of the year.Swiatek had won 25 consecutive matches in Paris and an astonishing 23 consecutive matches on the surface. Yet, Qinwen produced a performance of a lifetime, defeating the Polish star 6-2, 7-5. This victory not only showcased Qinwen's growing confidence and skill but also demonstrated that no opponent is invincible. It was a moment that will be etched in the memories of tennis fans around the world.The key to Qinwen's success was her ability to stay calm and focused under pressure. She didn't let Swiatek's reputation intimidate her and instead played with a sense of determination. This attitude allowed her to take advantage of Swiatek's occasional lapses and emerge victorious.

ATP: Luca Nardi's Stunning Defeat of Novak Djokovic at Indian Wells R3

Novak Djokovic, one of the greatest tennis players of all time, suffered multiple surprise losses in 2024. He was defeated by Alejandro Tabilo in Rome, Tomas Machac in Geneva, and Alexei Popyrin at the US Open. However, his loss to world No 123 Nardi in the third round of Indian Wells was the first clear indication of a dip in form for the Serbian.Nardi had initially failed to qualify for the Masters 1000 event but managed to reach the third round as a lucky loser. Against the five-time Indian Wells champion, Nardi showed no fear and battled his way to a stunning 6-4, 3-6, 6-3 victory. This win was a testament to Nardi's tenacity and belief in his own abilities.Djokovic, despite his illustrious career, is not immune to setbacks. This loss served as a wake-up call for him and highlighted the need for him to maintain his focus and consistency. Nardi's victory also showed that there are rising stars in the ATP tour who are capable of causing upsets against even the best players.

WTA: Anna Blinkova's Extraordinary Comeback against Elena Rybakina at Australian Open R2

One of the most extraordinary matches of 2024 took place at the start of the season in Melbourne. Anna Blinkova, a relatively unknown player, saved six match points to shock 2023 runner-up Elena Rybakina in the second round. Rybakina entered the Australian Open as a favorite, having won in Brisbane and was widely expected to dispatch her Russian opponent.Blinkova took the opening set and had two chances to close out the match in the decider. But she missed those opportunities and it seemed like her moment had passed. However, in an incredible deciding-set tiebreak, she showed incredible mental strength and saved multiple match points before converting her own 10th match point to win 6-4, 4-6, 7-6(20).This victory was a turning point for Blinkova. It gave her the confidence to believe that she could compete with the best players in the world. It also demonstrated the importance of never giving up and always fighting until the end.

ATP: Francisco Comesana's Remarkable Win over Andrey Rublev at Wimbledon R1

Heading into the grass court summer, Francisco Comesana was a relative unknown. He had never played a match on grass courts and had never even participated in the main draw of a Grand Slam. But that didn't stop him from pulling off one of the biggest shocks of the year at SW19.Against sixth seed Andrey Rublev, Comesana showed remarkable courage and determination. Rublev, despite not being at his best in 2024, was still widely favored to win the match. However, Comesana had other ideas. He played with a sense of freedom and attacked the net with confidence, prevailing 6-4, 5-7, 6-2, 7-6(5).This win was a dream come true for Comesana. It proved that with hard work and belief, anyone can achieve great things on the tennis court. It also showed that the grass courts can be a level playing field for even the most inexperienced players.

WTA: Mirra Andreeva's Upset over Aryna Sabalenka at French Open QF

Illness may have affected Sabalenka in her Roland Garros loss, but there is no denying that 17-year-old Mirra Andreeva well and truly upset the odds with this victory. Andreeva was making her first appearance in the quarter-final of a major, while Sabalenka was a seasoned veteran with a Grand Slam title to her name.The Belarusian fought hard to take the opening set, but Andreeva showed no fear and fought back. She defied her inexperience and previous one-sided losses to Sabalenka to emerge victorious with a scoreline of 6-7(5), 6-4, 6-4. This win was a milestone for Andreeva and a sign of great things to come.Andreeva's success was a reminder that age is no barrier in tennis. With talent and determination, young players can make their mark on the sport and challenge the established stars.