Sensational Botic van de Zandschulp Climbs World Rankings, Overtakes Tallon Griekspoor

The thirty-year-old Van de Zandschulp has been astonishing everyone in New York with one upset after another. He dispatched top-ten player Alex De Minaur in three sets, then came back from a 2-1 deficit against Zizou Bergs, and even recovered from a 2-0 deficit against a lucky loser on Tuesday night. That last victory alone earned him 200 points for the world rankings.

This marks his second career appearance in the US Open quarterfinals, having also reached this stage during his debut in 2021. The American hardcourts clearly suit Van de Zandschulp, and as the tennis year draws to a close, he's making significant strides. He's currently projected to climb over 30 spots, moving from 70th to 40th in the world rankings.

With this, he has comfortably surpassed his tennis friend Tallon Griekspoor. He had already done so after his win against Bergs, when he was virtually 50th while Griekspoor, due to his first-round defeat, remained at 56th in the world. But Van de Zandschulp isn't finished yet. He's in a phase of the tournament where every victory yields a significant haul of points. Should he defeat Zverev on Wednesday, he'll gain an immediate 400 points, making another huge leap.

The Dutch top tennis player, now assured of the 'best compatriot' status, will re-enter the world's top thirty if he reaches the semi-finals. His highest-ever ranking was 22nd, achieved in August 2022. Only by winning the entire Grand Slam would he surpass his personal best and contend for a spot in the world's top ten. But first, he needs to defeat Zverev.