Jack Draper swept aside Botic van de Zandschulp in the third round of the US Open after the Dutchman previously shocked Carlos Alcaraz to an early exit.
From the start of his French Open campaign, only three players have managed to beat Carlos Alcaraz.
A stunning win at Queen’s for Jack Draper and a surprising Botic van de Zandschulp upset in New York, bookended Novak Djokovic’s Olympic win against Alcaraz.
With mixed fortunes at Wimbledon followed by a promising few days in Cincinnati, Draper is yet to drop a set going into the last 16.
After Draper’s controversial Cincinnati win over Felix Auger-Aliassime, the Brit has since managed to regain control and put the incident behind him at Flushing Meadows.
Still yet to drop a set and with Alcaraz out, Draper’s draw has opened up remarkably, with a maiden semi-final appearance on the cards.
Jack Draper explains why he ‘loves’ the courts at the US Open
Defeated by Andrey Rublev in the fourth round 12 months ago, Draper is primed to go a step better.
While ‘breakout year’ doesn’t quite apply, the 22-year-old has managed to reach his career high ranking this year, knocking on the door of the top 20.
Reflecting on how the conditions have helped him, Draper said: “I think it’s the conditions and the courts. I love the courts here. They’re sort of fast but they’re also slow at the same time and just the energy I get from the crowd and people supporting me.”
Continuing, the British number one said: “This is what the players work so hard for, to come out here and to play in front of you guys so it’s really special to get the support every time I play.”
Only Alex de Minaur is ranked higher than Draper in his section of the draw, with a semi-final clash with either Jannik Sinner or Daniil Medvedev likely.
Who is Jack Draper’s fourth round US Open opponent?
A surprising but nonetheless competitive section of the draw sees the absence of Alcaraz and Hubert Hurkacz who would’ve been the highest seeds on that side.
Czech Olympic gold medallist Tomas Machac awaits with the world number 32 also yet to drop a set so far.
Having upset Washington champion Sebastian Korda in the second round, Machac is enjoying his best US Open of his career.
Playing earlier this year in Geneva on clay, Machac got the better of Draper.
Now on the hard courts, this one feels too close to call, however with Draper’s reliable serve carrying him through, I think he’ll get through this one in four sets.
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