Tennis
Alex de Minaur Talks About Facing His Toughest Challenge at the Sydney’s Atp Cup- “These Are the Matches I Want to Be Playing”
Australia had to escape the Sydney ATP Cup’s “group of death”. To do that Alex de Minaur had to break his duck against two players – Daniil Medvedev and Matteo Berrettini.
De Minaur’s record against the Russian was 0-3 against the Russian world No.2 and 0-1 against the Wimbledon finalist. The world no.34 had a big challenge ahead of him but he also the home advantage in his favour.
De Minaur Faces His Toughest Competitors
Team Australia had to face challenges even before a ball was served in the tournament. Before the first match, James Duckworth was ruled out with a hip injury.
The injury scare left Max Purcell at the mercy of Jannik Sinner, the highly decorated Italian. Sinner was ruthless and demolished the world No.176 in straight sets.
All the pressure fell on the 22 year old Alex De Minaur. Before the match he said, “I think this is the beauty of this ATP Cup at the start of the year. I’ve experienced it before, and it’s a great way to kind of see where I’m at. These are the kind of matches I want to be playing.”
Alex De Minaur Defeats Matteo Berrettini
If Alex won it would equal the biggest victory of his career on ranking. He was going to have to do it against last year’s Wimbledon finalist, Matteo Berrettini.
Berrettini defeated the likes of Dominic Thiem, Gael Monfils and Roberto Bautista Agut on his way to last year’s ATP Cup final.
70% of the world is covered by water 💧
The rest is covered by @alexdeminaur 😈#ATPCup pic.twitter.com/x2vIxjQBRV
— ATPCup (@ATPCup) January 2, 2022
On the match day, Alex ‘The Speed Demon’ De Minaur had a comfortable lead on the first set. He won the set comfortably. It led to the Sydney crowd erupt with shouts of joy. He took the set 6-3.
The 2nd set was a tie breaker from the get go. The Sydney star took the tie breaker set and the match 7-4 and the crowd went berserk.
Minaur’s Reaction After The Match
Alex De Minaur was understandably excited after the match. “I think it’s no secret that this court brings out the best in me. There’s no place like playing at home and in front of a packed crowd, which is just amazing,” emotional de Minaur said afterwards.
Giant Slayer ⚔️@alexdeminaur upsets Matteo Berrettini 6-3, 7-6(4) to keep #TeamAustralia alive in their Group B tie against #TeamItaly.#ATPCup pic.twitter.com/by09MuvWt1
— ATPCup (@ATPCup) January 2, 2022
De Minaur endured his share of setbacks last year, the most notable of which was him suffering from coronavirus that forced him out of the Tokyo Games.
Despite that the Aussie appeared confident and had put the Olympic heartbreak behind him.
“It’s not about how many times you get knocked down … it’s about how many times you get knocked down and get back up again. I’m in the best shape of my life and I’m ready to have a big year” he said.
Matteo Berrettini Praises Alex
Berrettini only had good things to say about the young Aussie. The Wimbledon finalist did not hold back while showering praises on Alex.
“Alex is a really tricky player, especially here in Sydney, in his home country,” Berrettini said.
“He’s been playing, I think, his best tennis here. I saw, I believe, two years ago crazy matches against Rafa, I remember. I think this atmosphere brings him to play his best tennis, so it’s going to be a very tough match. And I played him on grass, so different surface, different conditions.
But I like when the atmosphere is like that. I like the stadiums packed and people cheering for you or against you. I’m really looking forward to that match.” – Matteo further said.
