Botic van de Zandschulp has commenced his tennis season with a victory in Hong Kong, defeating Jan-Lennard Struff in three sets: 6-3, 1-6, 6-1, Afrosport reports.
The 75th-ranked Van de Zandschulp, who has appointed Raemon Sluiter as his new coach, concluded his 2025 season with a first-round exit in Athens, where he lost in three sets to Stan Wawrinka.
In Hong Kong, Van de Zandschulp faced German qualifier Jan-Lennard Struff. The Dutch player started strong, breaking Struff in the German’s second service game, leading to a 6-3 victory, bolstered by three saved break points.
On the other hand, Jesper de Jong began his 2026 season with a defeat after Canadian Gabriel Diallo ousted the Dutchman from the Hong Kong Open in straight sets: 6-4, 7-6 (7).
De Jong kicked off his season at the ATP 250 tournament in Hong Kong, following his last appearance at the Paris Masters in October, where he was eliminated in the second round by Tomas Martin Etcheverry.
De Jong’s season quickly took a disappointing turn after losing the opening game to Diallo, who did not grant his Dutch opponent a single break point and sealed the set with a love game, winning it 6-4.
