Beating Novak Djokovic, Rafael Nadal and Carlos Alcaraz all in the space of seven months is no mean feat but Botic van de Zandschulp has been there, done that and got himself a t-shirt.
Van de Zandschulp followed up his walkover victory over Nick Kyrgios by sending the 24-time Grand Slam packing from Indian Wells to progress to the last 32 of the tournament in California.
It was a poor performance from Djokovic by his usual high standards. He was beaten pretty convincingly in the end with the Dutchman claiming a 6-2, 3-6, 6-1 victory to set up a clash with Francisco Cerundolo.
Van de Zandschulp spotted something that Djokovic was struggling with during the match. Still, as the world number 85, he needed to be on the top of his game and came through this assignment with flying colours.
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Botic van de Zandschulp picks toughest opponent out of three stars
This was a huge win but then Van de Zandschulp is proving to be a bit of a man for the big occasion. He sent Alcaraz packing at the US Open in August and ended the career of Nadal at the Davis Cup at the end of last year.
He’s been quizzed on those three victories after beating Djokovic and he’s explained which of the three players proved to be the toughest opponent for the world number 85 to face.
He said in his press conference: ” Yeah, I think they’re all different. I think playing Rafa’s last match was mentally quite a tough match, to play it in Spain as well. So, yeah, that’s never easy.
“But, yeah, I think Carlos was maybe the toughest one. Yeah, because beforehand, you didn’t really know you had the possibilities to beat guys who are, yeah, running the game these days.
“So, yeah, I think that was a good first step.”
Van de Zandschulp picks career turning point
The 29-year-old is improving all of the time and as a big serving 6ft 3in performer, he’s always capable of proving players with a tough test on any given day if everything falls into place.
Beating Alcaraz at the US Open last year was clearly something which he found very special and he’s explained why that has helped him mentally when it comes to producing the goods on the tour.
He continued: “Yeah, I think so. Even before that, I played some pretty good matches against top-10 players. But, yeah, definitely against Carlos, I was believing I could beat the guys like Carlos. Yeah, I also got my ass kicked twice last year by Sinner. I didn’t play him after. But also against Novak it’s helping that you beat Carlos last year at the US Open.
“So I think it’s all about self-belief before you go on court and really think you have a chance to win during the day. But, yeah, it has to go all my way.”
Van de Zandschulp will now hope to progress even further in the tournament. The player is still awaiting his maiden singles title and perhaps he now believes that he can claim success at some point during his career.
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