As the final Grand Slam of the year unfolds at Flushing Meadows, fans are eager for a compelling opener featuring Holger Rune and the Dutchman Botic van de Zandschulp. Rune arrives in New York having secured the Barcelona Open title (his first ATP 500), where he notably defeated Carlos Alcaraz in the final. He also made it to the final at Indian Wells, highlighting a powerful season that restored him to the Top 10.
Meanwhile, van de Zandschulp carries momentum after a deep run to the final in Winston-Salem, building confidence on his favored hard courts. Currently ranked around No. 92, he has endured ups and downs but recently found form. His Winston-Salem performance and a quarter-final in Kitzbühel suggest positive momentum heading into the Grand Slam.
Holger Rune vs. Botic Van de Zandschup Match Details
- Date: Aug. 25, 2025
- Tournament: US Open
- Round: First Round
- Venue: USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center, Flushing Meadows, Queens, New York City
- Category: Grand Slam
- Surface: Outdoor hard
- Live telecast: ESPN, ESPN2, and ESPN+, Hulu + Live TV, YouTube TV, and Sling TV
Rune vs. Van de Zandschulp Head-to-Head
Rune and van de Zandschulp have met twice on the ATP Tour, with the young Dane holding a 2–0 advantage. Their most recent clash was recorded in the final of the 2023 BMW Open in Munich, at the MTTC Iphitos complex, where Rune edged out van de Zandschulp 6-4, 1-6, 7-6 (7-3).
That epic showdown lasted two hours and 52 minutes, with Rune saving four championship points. He battled through twisted ankle and arm issues before sealing victory in the third-set tiebreak.
Rune vs. Van de Zandschulp Prediction
Rune enters the event riding a hard-court win–loss record of 14-7 this season and 27-16 across all surfaces. In contrast, van de Zandschulp holds a similar 12-7 record on hard courts this year, with a modest season split of 24-22. Rune’s consistent performance on hard surfaces, including sharp form in recent Masters events, suggests a slight edge in baseline reliability.
Rune is known for his aggressive shot-making, flair, and creativity. He often dictates rallies with variety and spin. He showed dominant serving confidence in Toronto, where he “dropped just three of 21 second-serve points.” This turned out to be a positive development ahead of the New York Major.
Van de Zandschulp, on the other hand, is known for his physical strength and solid all-court defense, making him tough to break down. His doubles success at Montpellier on indoor hard concluded by winning the title alongside Haase.
Throughout the season, Rune fired nearly 1345 aces backed by a first-serve percentage of 62, 1st-serve points won at 71%, second-serve points won at 54%, and service games won at 82%. Meanwhile, van de Zandschulp’s most recent leaderboard ranking places him at No.71, drawing a clear line of difference between his and Rune’s confident serve.
Considering Rune’s aggressive style, improving serve metrics, and solid hard-court win–loss consistency, he is the strong favorite. Van de Zandschulp’s doubles net skills could make rallies competitive, but he lacks the firepower and serve dominance to challenge Rune’s baseline pressure consistently.
Prediction: Rune to win in straight sets
