The 30-year-old came from two sets down to defeat Gea 3-6, 6-7(0), 7-6(7), 7-6(3), 6-4 in a gruelling contest that lasted around five hours. The victory secured his place in the US Open quarter-finals and set up a meeting with top seed Alexander Zverev.
Here are five things to know about the Dutchman who continues to make headlines in New York.
1. He is enjoying another memorable US Open run
Van de Zandschulp has already reached the quarter-finals at Flushing Meadows for the second time in his career.
His first run to the last eight came in 2021, when he arrived at the tournament as a qualifier and went all the way to the quarter-finals before losing to eventual champion Daniil Medvedev.
His latest run has once again demonstrated his ability to produce his best tennis on the US Open stage.
2. He produced an incredible comeback against Arthur Gea
Van de Zandschulp appeared to be heading out after losing the opening two sets against Gea.
However, the Dutchman refused to surrender.
He won the third-set tie-break and then claimed another tie-break in the fourth set before completing the comeback in the deciding set.
The five-hour battle was one of the standout matches of the tournament so far. Reuters also described it as a remarkable comeback after Gea had taken a two-set lead.
3. He has already eliminated Alex de Minaur
Van de Zandschulp's run did not begin with his marathon victory over Gea.
In the second round, he produced another major upset by defeating Australia's Alex de Minaur, who was seeded seventh, in straight sets.
The Dutchman won 6-4, 7-5, 6-2, handing de Minaur his earliest US Open exit since 2021.
The victory underlined Van de Zandschulp's ability to trouble highly ranked opponents on the biggest stage.
4. He has already defeated Carlos Alcaraz
Van de Zandschulp is no stranger to producing stunning results against elite opposition.
In 2024, he shocked then defending US Open champion Carlos Alcaraz, defeating the Spaniard in straight sets in New York.
That victory remains one of the biggest wins of his career and demonstrated the Dutchman's capacity to challenge the world's best players.
5. He now faces Alexander Zverev
Van de Zandschulp's reward for his latest comeback is a quarter-final meeting with Alexander Zverev.
The German top seed booked his place in the last eight by defeating Italy's Luciano Darderi 6-2, 6-2, 7-6(3).
The match will be a major test for Van de Zandschulp, particularly after the physical demands of his five-set battle with Gea.
Zverev, meanwhile, has reached the quarter-finals at all four Grand Slam tournaments in 2026, adding another layer of significance to their meeting.
A remarkable US Open story
Van de Zandschulp's journey in New York has once again highlighted his reputation as a dangerous opponent at Grand Slam level.
From defeating a top-10 player in de Minaur to surviving a five-hour battle against Gea, the Dutchman has shown remarkable resilience.
Now, with Zverev standing between him and a place in the US Open semi-finals, Van de Zandschulp has another opportunity to produce one of the tournament's biggest surprises.