Van de Zandschulp: “Nothing was my idol, it was hard to play against him”

Smiling, but not too much, shy, with a face of absolute calm.unsuited to the tension and adrenaline that a passionate competition like the Davis Cup must generate, Botik van de Zandschulp (Wageningen, 29 years old) agrees to talk to AS in the mixed area of ​​the media center created for the occasion at the Martin Carpena Hotel in Malaga. “Hi, how are you?” – greets the hero of the Dutch team, which defeated Spain in the quarter-finals last Tuesday, defeating Rafa Nadal and one that came later in doubles with Wesley Koolhoff against Carlos Alcaraz (whom he also beat at the last US Open) and Marcel Granollers. He had just helped his country reach its first final in 104 years of history.with another victory in the semi-finals over the German Daniel Altmaier. This Sunday (16:00, Movistar+) he will fight with his team for the title against Italy.

What a week! Was all this expected?

Incredible week. We reached the quarter-finals three years in a row and this time we wanted to go further. Now we are here in the finals. And the truth is, no, we didn’t expect it until this week. We had a difficult draw against Spain. I think they were one of the favorites to win. And yes, everything was crazy, with Rafa (Nadal) leaving, everything that came with it. But it was also very nice. The atmosphere is great. So yes, I’m looking forward to Sunday.

What does beating Rafa mean to you?

A few weeks before the event, he announced his retirement and that this would be his last tournament. So I had a lot of time to think before playing against him. There was also the question of whether he would play or not. But then, during the week, he trained a lot. And the truth is that I saw that he was going to play. And yes, it was a difficult game. He was one of my idols growing up. So yeah, he was hard to play against, maybe in his last game, maybe not… It was a very, very difficult game.

In a couple of months he beat two of the best Spanish players. It’s amazing, isn’t it?

Yes, before the start of the season I didn’t even imagine that I would beat both of them this year. But yeah, the end of this campaign was great for me. I started playing better and I hope that next year I will continue in the same spirit.

Do you feel that with your tennis you are in some way below your true ranking?

Yes, a couple of years ago it had a higher rating. So yes, of course. I had injuries. So I’m trying to get back to the same level, to the same position that I had. (in August 2022 it was 22nd, now it is 80th). And yeah, I’ll have to work on it and see how it goes next year.

Are you aiming to get into the main draw rather than qualify and perform well at the Grand Slams?

Yes, of course, the main goal is always to achieve success at big tournaments. Yes, now I am in 80th place in the ranking. And of course, I want to be in the top 50, to be included in everyone. It’s easier on your calendar. And I think I can rise, return to my old position. I will work hard for this. So that’s my goal for next year.

The film will appear on the ATP website. Gladiator like your favorite. Have you seen the second part?

No, not yet. I’ll do it when I’m home. The first one was very good. So it’s hard to get something equal or even better, but let’s look at the movies. (A dialogue begins between Boteach and the interviewer about Ridley Scott’s feature film) And you, did you see this? No. But my friend says this… Is this really good? Very good, yes. This is fine. I really want to watch the film. Thank you. Thank you very much. Congratulations again.

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