Dutch tennis player Botic van de Zandschulp could now make a very big call after losing in round one of the French Open.
The 28-year-old was beaten by Fabio Fognini in a performance that can only be described as underwhelming.
He was sent packing 6-1, 6-1, 7-5 as he had very few answers for the first serve of the Italian player.
Van De Zandschulp has never gone beyond round three at Roland Garros and has now lost in two successive first rounds at the tournament.
Furthermore, it was also the second time that he’s lost in the first round of a slam in 2024 and things are a struggle at the moment.
Now, he’s seriously pondering making a huge call on his career.
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Botic van de Zandschulp can look back on US Open run as career highlight
This news comes from NOS journalist Mark Brasser on X and it does represent a bit of a surprise.
Van De Zandshulp is down to play in the doubles alongside compatriot Robin Haase at some point today but he could now pull out.
It’s claimed that a retirement could be announced imminently and that might include him withdrawing from doubles action.
It’s a shame that he feels as though he has had enough of playing and surely it would be a blow to Haase if he pulls out at this late stage.
The Dutch player hasn’t won a title during his career but he can look back at a solid run to the last eight of the US Open in 2021.
There he was eventually beaten by Daniil Medvedev but he reached that stage despite needing to enter qualifying.
Along the way, he beat Diego Schwartzman and in the second round saw off South African performer Kevin Anderson.
Things have been on a downward trajectory for a while though and now he could be ready to call it quits.
Van De Zandshulp endures rotten 2024 ATP form
Although he’s only 28, the fact that this news has emerged gives a clear indication as to how much he’s been struggling.
He’s won a handful of matches all year and ran into Jannik Sinner in the first round in Australia to lose in straight sets at the first hurdle.
In 2024 he won just nine matches and lost 13 with things now reaching the stage where the enjoyment has gone.
It would be a big call for Van De Zandschulp to call time on his career at 28 but today’s report suggests he’s seriously considering making a huge call.
There won’t be too much for the player to look back on during his career and it serves to highlight how tough life as a professional can be in tennis.
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