Alex de Minaur stands on the precipice of a historic achievement for Australian tennis, aiming to qualify for the ATP Finals for the first time since Lleyton Hewitt in 2004, signaling a potential resurgence for Australian tennis.
After the match against Draper, he highlighted the importance of staying focused, saying, "You can never say 'job done' in the middle of a tournament, that's not in my DNA. I'm thrilled with today's win, but I will continue to do my best and aim to win more matches." His dedication to maintaining intensity on the court is clear, as he acknowledges the tough competition he faces from players like Draper, who is on an impressive winning streak.
The match against Draper was challenging, as de Minaur initially struggled and fell behind 5-2 in the opening set. However, his ability to rally and adapt showcased his skill and tenacity. Throughout the match, de Minaur exhibited outstanding court coverage and energy, eventually pushing Draper into frustration, which resulted in the Brit smashing his racquet after losing his serve at a crucial point in the deciding set. This victory was de Minaur's 47th of the year, a career-best that highlights his progress and potential.