In a remarkable display of skill and determination, Alex de Minaur has carved his name into tennis history, breaking into the top 10 of the ATP rankings for the first time in his career.
The 24-year-old Australian’s journey to this milestone reached new heights as he added world No. 6 Alexander Zverev to his list of conquered opponents, solidifying his status as a rising star in the tennis world.
“It’s what I’ve worked so hard for, it’s another milestone,” de Minaur said.
“But the job’s not done… we keep improving, we keep working – it’s going to be a fun Aussie summer.”
De Minaur’s scintillating form ahead of the Australian Open has become the talk of tennis circles, and his victory over Zverev adds another chapter to a stellar week. The Australian No. 1 had already claimed a breakthrough win against the legendary Novak Djokovic and outplayed the tenacious American Taylor Fritz.
Facing Zverev, the reigning Olympic champion, proved to be a crucible of resilience for de Minaur. Despite Zverev’s 6-1 head-to-head dominance, de Minaur remained undaunted. Zverev seized an early lead with a late break in the first set, but de Minaur clawed back, surviving an intense 11-minute battle to hold serve at 2-2 in the second set. He then broke Zverev, leveling the match and altering the course of momentum.
“I got out of jail in the second set and the whole momentum changed and got behind me, I just tried to ride the wave,” de Minaur said.
Brimming with newfound confidence, de Minaur continued his assault, breaking Zverev immediately and securing the victory. The triumph over Zverev adds another jewel to de Minaur’s crown of achievements, setting the stage for an electrifying Australian summer for the rising tennis star.
Despite de Minaur’s impressive efforts, Australia’s United Cup campaign ended at Ken Rosewall Arena on Saturday as defeats in the women’s singles and mixed doubles allowed Germany to make the final against Poland with their 2-1 victory.
Even as Australia’s United Cup journey concluded, fans couldn’t help but applaud de Minaur for his impressive climb into the top 10.
Germany and Poland will battle for the United Cup title on Sunday, January 7th.
-with AAP.