Rafael Nadal.Source: Getty Images
Alex de Minaur’s ATP Cup showdown against Rafael Nadal confirmed a couple things we already knew.
For one, de Minaur’s ceiling, at just 20-years-old, is mighty high. Although it might be even higher than we realised.
And two, Nadal is an all-time great for a reason. And if you want to put him away for good, you need to make sure the coffin is closed, and the last bit of dirt is packed down tight on top.
The 19-time grand slam champion came from a set down to beat de Minaur 4-6 7-5 6-1 in two hours and 13 minutes on Saturday night and secure Spain’s passage to the ATP Cup final against Serbia.
But boy, he was made to work for it.
A brilliant comeback from Alex de Minaur has given Australia a first-up victory over Germany on the opening night of the ATP Cup.
The Aussie No.1 trailed 6-4 4-2 against world No.7 Alexander Zverev but took advantage of three double faults in a single game to level the second set, then won it in a tiebreaker.
After Zverev furiously smashed his racquet in frustration during the break, the German struggled in the decisive third set, giving up two consecutive breaks.