Alex de Minaur: Australia’s tennis star Alex de Minaur has made a triumphant return to competitive action, securing a place in the quarterfinals of the European Open in Antwerp after defeating Roberto Carballes Baena in a thrilling three-set match. De Minaur, who has been sidelined due to a hip injury, showed resilience and determination, overcoming a shaky start to win 2-6, 6-4, 6-2, keeping alive his hopes of qualifying for the prestigious ATP Finals.
The 25-year-old Aussie, currently ranked ninth in the ATP Live Race to Turin, is aiming for his first-ever appearance at the Nitto ATP Finals, with only 425 points separating him from eighth-placed Andrey Rublev. The ATP Finals, scheduled for November 10-17, are regarded as one of the most coveted events in tennis, with the champion potentially earning over $7 million.
“It’s never easy coming back from injury, so I’m happy I was able to win today,” said de Minaur, reflecting on his challenging journey. “The match is never over until the last point. I always tell myself that, and it’s helped me win a lot of matches.”
De Minaur, the top seed at the European Open, has battled through injury since Wimbledon and was forced to miss the Asian swing, raising questions about his fitness. Despite these setbacks, the Aussie managed a deep run at the US Open, reaching the quarterfinals. Now, with his sights set on the ATP Finals, he’s eager to build momentum and possibly clinch the European Open title—an event where he was the runner-up in 2020.
In his upcoming quarterfinal match, de Minaur will face Frenchman Hugo Gaston, who edged past Mariano Navone in a marathon encounter. Should de Minaur continue his winning streak in Antwerp, his path to the ATP Finals will become even clearer.
For Alex de Minaur, this European Open could mark a pivotal moment in his career as he eyes not only the ATP Finals but potentially a return to Australia’s Davis Cup team. Coach Lleyton Hewitt is closely watching de Minaur’s progress, and his form in Antwerp may influence his inclusion in the team for the November finals.
As de Minaur continues his journey, his resilience and competitive spirit will be crucial as he aims for both short-term success and long-term goals, solidifying his status as Australia’s top male tennis player.
