Archive · 3 Sep 2026
Lucky Loser Bu Yunchaokete Stuns US Open’s 12th Seed
Bu Yunchaokete was originally eliminated during qualifying for the US Open.
Then another player, Thanasi Kokkinakis, withdrew, giving Bu a chance to enter the main draw.
Bu took that opportunity and played Rafael Jodar in the first round.
Jodar was the 12th seed and had recently risen quickly in the rankings.
However, Jodar made many unforced errors and struggled to play his best tennis.
Bu stayed focused, even after rain delayed the match.
He won in three sets, 6-2, 6-1, 6-1.
This was Bu’s first victory in a Grand Slam main draw.
He will next play Fabian Marozsan or Michael Zheng.
Chinese lucky loser Bu Yunchaokete defeated 12th seed Rafael Jodar 6-2, 6-1, 6-1.
The victory was Bu’s first Grand Slam main-draw win in seven attempts.
Bu entered the draw after Thanasi Kokkinakis withdrew following Bu’s qualifying loss.
Jodar struggled with unforced errors and could not find his rhythm throughout the match.
After a rain delay, Bu advanced to face Fabian Marozsan or Michael Zheng.
- Who
- Chinese lucky loser Bu Yunchaokete defeated Spain’s 12th seed Rafael Jodar.
- What
- Bu won their US Open first-round match 6-2, 6-1, 6-1, earning his first Grand Slam main-draw victory.
- When
- Wednesday, after the first-round match had been delayed by rain.
- Where
- The US Open at Flushing Meadows, New York, including Court 17.
- Why
- Bu remained focused while Jodar struggled with unforced errors and failed to find his rhythm.
- Winner
- Bu Yunchaokete
- Opponent
- Rafael Jodar
- Score
- 6-2, 6-1, 6-1
- Tournament round
- US Open first round
- Bu’s ranking
- World No. 124
- Entry route
- Lucky loser after Thanasi Kokkinakis withdrew
- Next possible opponents
- Fabian Marozsan or Michael Zheng