Botic van de Zandschulp’s career journey includes support from childhood friends turned Manhattan financiers.
Botic van de Zandschulp, a rising tennis star from the Netherlands, caused a major upset at the US Open by defeating the four-time grand slam champion Carlos Alcaraz in the second round. Despite being ranked No. 74 in the world, van de Zandschulp has been making waves at the Open, following his impressive performance in 2021 where he reached the quarterfinals. This year, he continues to surprise fans by advancing in the men’s singles draw.
One of the key factors contributing to van de Zandschulp’s success is the support he receives from his childhood friends, the Pham brothers. Richard and Victor Pham, who are now successful financiers in Manhattan, reconnected with van de Zandschulp during his visit to the United States in 2021. The Pham brothers, who speak Dutch and share a special bond with van de Zandschulp from their days in a Dutch youth tennis program, have been cheering him on and providing him with a sense of familiarity and comfort during his matches at the US Open.
Van de Zandschulp’s friendship with the Pham brothers dates back to their childhood in the Netherlands. The Pham brothers, who were born to Vietnamese immigrants in Denmark, excelled in tennis from a young age. Richard and Victor first met van de Zandschulp when they were all young boys training at a Dutch tennis federation facility. Over the years, their friendship has endured, and the Pham brothers have continued to support van de Zandschulp both on and off the court.
As van de Zandschulp prepares to face 25th-seeded Jack Draper of Britain in the third round of the US Open, he credits the Pham brothers for their unwavering support and camaraderie. The trio’s bond has become a tradition, with the Pham brothers attending van de Zandschulp’s matches and sharing meals with him whenever he competes in the United States. This support system has proven to be a winning formula for van de Zandschulp, as he continues to defy expectations and make a name for himself on the international tennis stage.
In conclusion, Botic van de Zandschulp’s remarkable journey at the US Open is a testament to his talent, determination, and the invaluable support he receives from his lifelong friends, the Pham brothers. As he continues to make headlines with his impressive performances on the court, it is clear that van de Zandschulp’s success is not only a result of his skill and hard work but also the strong bond he shares with those who have been by his side since childhood.
Source: The NY Times
