In one of the most surprising results at this year's US Open, China's Bu Yunchaokete, a 'lucky loser' who entered the tournament after another player's withdrawal, drubbed rising Spanish star Rafael Jodar in straight sets. Bu, ranked 124th, defeated the 12th-seeded Jodar, 6-2, 6-1, 6-1, in a match that lasted less than two hours. This victory marks Bu's first win at the Grand Slam level after six previous attempts.
Bu, a native of Xinjiang, initially lost in the final round of qualifying but was granted a spot when Australian Thanasi Kokkinakis withdrew due to injury. He found out about his opportunity just before a planned flight, allowing him to compete and now advance to the second round against American Michael Zheng, a two-time US collegiate champion.
After the match, Bu expressed his excitement, stating, 'It's nothing you can lose with a lucky loser.' He described his approach as 'enjoy the crowd and enjoy the court and play one of the best players in this year.' This win is particularly sweet for Bu, who has spent much of 2026 in Challenger tournaments, a lower level from the main ATP Tour, winning two such events on grass.
Bu has worked to incorporate more aggressive play into his game, moving away from his original heavy-hitting style suited to clay courts, which he developed during a training period in Spain. He cited Britain's Andy Murray as a tennis hero and expressed admiration for Li Na, the first Chinese player to win Grand Slam singles titles. Bu noted, 'We have a lot great player in women's side, but men's side is not that much.'
For Jodar, the match was a disappointing US Open debut. The 19-year-old, who began the year ranked 165th, acknowledged Bu's superior play, saying, 'He played better than me, and that's the reason why he won today.' This loss is a setback for Jodar, who has shown promise but now faces the challenge of regrouping after this early exit.
Bu's unexpected victory not only highlights the unpredictable nature of tennis but also showcases the potential of underdogs in major tournaments. His journey from a 'lucky loser' to a Grand Slam winner provides inspiration, demonstrating that opportunities can arise unexpectedly and should be seized with determination and skill.
