Jack Draper advanced to the US Open last 16 with a convincing 6-3, 6-4, 6-2 victory over Botic van de Zandschulp, taking full advantage of his side of the draw after Carlos Alcaraz’s earlier exit. Draper’s win keeps British hopes alive in the tournament, with the 25th seed eyeing his first-ever Grand Slam quarter-final.
However, there was disappointment for Dan Evans, whose marathon first-round win against Karen Khachanov took its toll in his third-round match against Alex de Minaur. Despite leveling the match at one set apiece, the 37-year-old ran out of steam, needing a medical timeout before De Minaur dominated the final sets, winning 6-3, 6-7 (4-7), 6-0, 6-0.
Evans, determined to see the match through despite his physical struggles, said, “I’m not one to retire unless I can’t walk. I want to give Alex the win – he deserves it.” De Minaur praised Evans, calling him the “ultimate competitor” for battling through pain.
De Minaur will face fellow Australian Jordan Thompson in the fourth round, with a potential quarter-final clash against Draper, who must first overcome Czech Tomas Machac.
