Surprise US Open Quarterfinalist Botic Van de Zandschulp Forced to Buy a Pair of Shoes Despite Dream Run

Botic Van de Zandschulp is enjoying a dream run in the ongoing US Open. After making it through the qualifying rounds, the Dutchman pulled off some of the most incredible upsets en route to the quarterfinals of the hard court Grand Slam.

Although the 25-year-old has made an impression on-court, he is also making waves off it. Earlier today, Mark Mason, owner of Mason Tennis Store, recalled a conversation he shared with the World No. 117.

Surprise US Open quarterfinalist Botic Van de Zandschulp needed to buy shoes before today’s match

Since he doesn’t have a shoe sponsor, the 25-year-old needed to buy his own pair of shoes to compete in the quarter-finals. He headed to Mason Tennis Store, one of the most prominent stores in the city, to pick up a pair of ASICS shoes.

When he arrived, Mason recalled Van de Zandschulp mentioning he would pick up more pairs if he won more matches. He said, “He bought one pair but said he would be back for more if he won. He asked me how many pairs did I have of the ASICS Speed FF Size 10. I said I have 24 pairs left.”

Mason further admitted the Dutchman identified himself as the player when he failed to do so. “I had no idea who he was,” said Mason. “I said, ‘Do you represent a player?’ He said, ‘I am the player.'”

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Van de Zandschulp plays Daniil Medvedev in the quarterfinals of the US Open

In his maiden appearance in the main draw of the US Open, the Dutchman shocked the world on his way to the quarterfinals. He stunned eighth seed Casper Ruud in the second round, taking a four-sets victory to advance to the third round.

He then stunned Diego Schwartzman in four sets as well, to clinch a memorable fourth round victory. With his run of results, Van de Zandschulp booked a quarterfinal showdown against second seed Daniil Medvedev today.

Can the giant-killing Dutchman add another notch on his belt? Or will Medvedev end one of the most impressive runs in this year’s US Open?

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