Jack Draper has admitted it’s ‘weird’ to see Novak Djokovic and Carlos Alcaraz crash out of the US Open after reaching the fourth round of the competition on Sunday.
The 22-year-old was too strong for Botic van de Zandschulp on Sunday morning, cruising to a 6-3, 6-4, 6-2 win.
Draper is one of the hottest prospects in British tennis right now.
And the 25th seed will be hoping to go all the way at Flushing Meadows, just like Emma Raducanu did three years ago.
Jack Draper has admitted it’s ‘weird’ to see Novak Djokovic and Carlos Alcaraz crash out of the US Open after reaching the fourth round of the competition on Sunday
GETTY
Earlier this week, Van de Zandschulp knocked out Alcaraz.
Djokovic then crashed out of the tournament to Alexei Popyrin, with the Serb ending 2024 without a single Grand Slam to his name.
Draper, speaking after his win, has admitted it’s ‘weird’ to see Djokovic and Alcaraz eliminated so early.
But he also thinks their losses speak volumes about the sheer amount of talent on the men’s tour.
JUST IN: Jermaine Jenas ‘was in a state’ as phone call details emerge following BBC sacking
“It is obviously weird but I think both of them obviously played the Olympic final. I think that’s taken a lot out of them,” he said.
“It’s taken a lot out of everyone, but they obviously made the finals, and it was emotional for both of them.
“Obviously Novak, that was probably his biggest goal, and to come through that is obviously emotionally challenging to sort of have a rest and then come here.
“Same with Carlos as well. He’s achieved so much this year, winning the French and Wimbledon. I’m not surprised that they’re probably feeling really tired and emotionally a bit drained.
READ MORE: Emma Raducanu ‘facing sponsorship crisis’ as details emerge after nightmare US Open exit
“But I watched both the matches, and I thought Botic played an incredibly high level of tennis against Alcaraz.
“Even Popyrin last night, he won Montreal. I watched the opening two sets before I went to bed. I didn’t honestly feel like Djokovic was playing incredibly badly.
“Maybe his serve was a bit below par, but I felt like Popyrin played an incredible match as well.
“There’s a lot of players on the tour at the moment who are really dangerous and on their day can play an amazing match against the best players in the world.”
LATEST SPORTS NEWS:
Jack Draper was too strong for Botic van de Zandschulp in their US Open clash on Sunday
GETTY
Draper also admitted he was pleased to beat a ‘dangerous’ opponent in Van de Zandschulp, with the Briton dreaming of Grand Slam glory.
“I know that on their day someone like a Botic is extremely dangerous,” he added. “I wasn’t putting it past him to go out there and potentially have an upset against Carlos.
“I think it is sometimes difficult when people are saying, ‘Oh, like, he should definitely win this match’. Botic’s just beaten the No.2 in the world who’s won multiple grand slams this year.
“He obviously played a really good match and can definitely beat me too.
Jack Draper is through to the fourth round of the US Open
GETTY
“It is difficult, but at the same time it was a good opportunity for me to go out there and play a solid match and know that also it’s not easy for him as well.
“Having just had probably the biggest win of his career on the biggest stage in the world and to have to back it up again.
“It was a good match from my side. I’m happy with the way I’ve dealt with the situation and my performance in general.”