Botic van de Zandschulp feels more and more playing the major tournaments, the biggest tournaments in tennis. If the year at the Australian Open started a little uncomfortably, the 25-year-old won his first Wimbledon match on Wednesday, just like Roland Garros.
“I was very nervous in Australia because it was the first time in the main tournament. But I noticed that I started the matches at Roland Garros and now at Wimbledon more freely,” said Van de Zandschulp, ranked 139th in the world. I’m a little used to the top five now; After losing a group, there is no man at sea.”
Against France’s Grégoire Barriere, Van de Zandschul had a better match in his first-ever match at Wimbledon Park: 6-2 6-7 (4) 6-1 7-6 (3). In the fourth set he failed to serve the match with a score of 5-4, but in the tiebreak he finished the match beautifully.
“When it was 5-5, I knew I was still in a good match and I felt more dangerous. I got the best out of the match and not delivering that happens to everyone.”
Van de Zandschulp was accepted as a lucky loser after Dominic Thiem’s cancellation. “I heard it ten minutes after I lost in the last round of qualifying. Four guys competed and I went out. You should be a little lucky with that.” Van de Zandschulp was also lucky with a draw. Barrère is number 131 in the world.
In the next round, Van de Zandschul, who will be accompanied by Michel Schapir at Wimbledon, will face Italy’s Matteo Berrettini. “I expect he will serve well and seek a very strong forehand,” said Van de Zandschulp, who has little experience on turf. “Moreover, he has a lot of feeling in the net. I expect a fun game.” “Actually, this is the first time I’ve really played on grass. Every match helps me get used to it better and move better.”
