Jack Draper dispatches Botic Van de Zandschulp to reach US Open last 16 for second consecutive year
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British No.1 Jack Draper has reached the fourth round at the US Open for the second successive year after downing Botic Van de Zandschulp 6-3, 6-4, 6-2.
Draper produced a dazzling display against the Dutchman, who just two days ago caused the upset of the tournament so far when he knocked out 2022 champion Carlos Alcaraz in straight sets.
In reaching the fourth round, Draper has not only matched his tournament best performance but also become the third British man in the Open Era to reach the last 16 at the US Open in successive years after Andy Murray and John Lloyd.
The British No.1 reached the US Open fourth round 12 months ago but lost out in a 6-3, 3-6, 6-3, 6-4 defeat to Andrey Rublev.
The world No.25 will now take on Czech star Tomas Machac, who leads the Brit 3-0 in their head-to-head, in a bid to reach a career-first Grand Slam quarter-final.
“I think Botic played an incredible match against Carlos,” Draper said in his post-match interview. “It’s not always easy to get on that big stage and play someone like him and then come out the next round and feel really good because it’s so tiring to be in that situation, so credit to him.
“I thought I played a solid match today; it was a little bit scrappy a little bit up and down, but I got through in the end and thank you guys for the support, being on this court again was amazing.
“Last year I had a tough year with the injuries, but I’ve been able to stay on court, to compete all the time on the tour with the best players in the world. This is what I put all the hard work in to play in front of you guys in on the biggest stages in the world. I’m really happy and grateful for all the great people around me and we keep wanting more.
“I love the courts here, they’re fast but also slow at the same time and the energy I get from the crowd and people supporting me and coming to my practice. This is what the players work so hard for, so it’s really special to get the support every time I play."
Draper, who is yet to drop a set so far this tournament, was solid behind his serve yet again today, saving nine out of 10 break points thrown his way.
After confidently sealing the opener, the 25 seed continued to pile the pressure on Van de Zandschulp, who made 32 unforced errors and eight double faults across the match – eventually hunting a crucial break to move just one set away from the final 16.
At 2-2 in the third set, the Dutchman serve back-to-back double faults to be broken for a fourth time, spurring Draper on to win four consecutive games. Stepping up to the baseline to serve for the match, the big-serving lefty slammed down his 13th ace of the match before sealing victory with a sublime inside out forehand winner to punch his ticket to the fourth round.
