Gea squanders match point in five-set US Open thriller
Arthur Gea, a lucky loser, came within a point of reaching the US Open quarter-finals but lost to Botic van de Zandschulp in a five-hour, 13-minute match. Gea held match point in the third-set tiebreak but could not close out the win. Van de Zandschulp will now face top seed Alexander Zverev.
Gea's unexpected run began when Casper Ruud's withdrawal granted him a main-draw spot after a qualifying loss. He then eliminated three opponents to reach the fourth round. The five-hour, 13-minute contest against Van de Zandschulp ranks as the fourth longest in Flushing Meadows history, with Gea squandering a match point in the third-set tiebreak and failing to serve out the fourth set.
The defeat still yields a substantial payday, with Gea earning $480,000 instead of the $66,000 he anticipated from qualifying. Van de Zandschulp advances to face top seed Alexander Zverev, who finished before midnight for the first time in four matches and humorously requested another night session.
The near-miss by a lucky loser could reshape perceptions of career resilience among lower-ranked players, showing that a single withdrawal can open unexpected doors. The five-hour epic may also intensify debates about player workload and scheduling, as grueling matches and late finishes could impact recovery and performance. Fans and broadcasters might benefit from heightened drama, but the physical demands could prompt organizers to reconsider rest periods and court assignments.