Jack Draper tamed Carlos Alcaraz’s conqueror to return to the fourth round of the US Open. Botic van de Zandschlup played the match of his life to stun the Wimbledon champion in straight sets in the last round.
But the big Dutchman could not stop the British No.1 as the No.25 seed triumphed 6-3 6-4 6-2 in two hours and 14 minutes.
Draper saved nine out of 10 break points – he has only dropped his serve once all tournament – while the inconsistent world No.74 made 32 unforced errors.
The British No.1, 22, showed his growing maturity by winning all the big points. He was not perfect but he was clinical when it mattered and he broke the spirit of his opponent by the end.
Draper reached the fourth round of a Grand Slam for the first time here last year before losing to Russian world No.8 Andrey Rublev.
This time he will face world No.39 Tomas Machac and he now has a great chance to reach the semi-finals in his open section of the draw without the Spanish superstar.
Draper said: “I thought I played a solid match today. It was a bit scrappy. We were both a bit up and down. I think Botic played an incredible match against Carlos.
“It’s not always easy to go on that big stage and play such a player like Carlos, and then come out the next round and feel really good because it’s just so tiring in that situation. I am happy to get through.”
This third-round tie was played in the 8,125-capacity Grandstand where Emma Raducanu lost in the first round.
But this encounter, in front of a boisterous crowd on Labor Day weekend, had a happier outcome for British fans.
But Draper’s looks and playing style have also attracted home support in the Big Apple. “It’s really special to be able to get support every time I play,” he said.
Draper broke van de Zandschlup’s in his opening service game – a feat beyond Alcaraz – on his way to a quick 3-0 lead. But he needed five set points to close out the first set in 48 minutes when the Dutchman sent a backhand return long.
He took the first set despite only making 41 per cent of first serves.
But it was to be van de Zandschlup’s serve and forehand which then melted in the midday heat. At 3-3 in the second set, he sent down a double fault and Draper wrapped up the set with an ace.
At 2-2 in the third set, the Dutchman served consecutive double faults at 30-30 to be broken for a fourth time. Serving for the match at 5-2, Draper faced another breakpoint but sent down his 13th ace.
And two points later he returned to the last 16 without dropping a set with an inside out forehand winner.
