Botic van de Zandschulp has protected status at next week’s Australian Open. The top Dutch tennis player was actually one place too low in the world rankings to be placed, but he benefits from the cancellation of Marin Cilic, who has a knee injury.
Van de Zandschulp is number 34 in the world. The 32 best tennis players have protected status. Due to the cancellation of Cilic and the previous departure of world number one Carlos Alcaraz, the Dutchman is now part of it. The top seeds avoid each other in the first and second rounds.
Defending champion Rafael Nadal is in first place in the men’s category, followed by Norwegian Casper Ruud. Novak Djokovic, who hopes to win the Australian Open for the tenth time, is fourth behind Stéfanos Tsitsipás.
Van de Zandschulp plays for the third time at the Australian Open. Last year he reached the third round in Melbourne. In his debut in 2021, he immediately stalled. Tallon’s Greek track also has a presence in Melbourne.
Among the women, first and second the Polish Iga Swiatek and the Tunisian Ons Jabeur. A Dutch person can also participate: Arianne Hartono is in the last round of the qualifying tournament.
The Australian Open starts on Monday. The draw will take place on Thursday.
