There’s no such factor as a meaningless match for Alex de Minaur.
The Australian registered his first-ever win over 22-time grand slam champion Rafael Nadal on the United Cup, downing the Spaniard 3-6 6-1 7-5.
While not on the largest stage – the conflict was a part of a useless tie with Great Britain already progressing to the subsequent spherical of the competitors – it is nonetheless top-of-the-line of the 23-year-old’s profession.
Until Monday evening in Sydney, de Minaur had by no means overwhelmed a participant ranked No.1 or No.2 on the earth – now he has overwhelmed arguably the very best of all-time.
“I couldn’t be happier to get my first win over Rafa on this court in front of you guys,” de Minaur mentioned, acknowledging town the place he grew up.
“I knew it was going to be a battle – Rafa is a hell of a competitor.”
World No.2 Nadal began inauspiciously, happening an early break, solely to reel off 4 straight video games to grab the primary set.
That momentum continued with one other break to begin the second set, just for the Sydney native to supply a few of his personal trademark grit and storm by the subsequent six video games.
The decider was a combined bag – de Minaur’s foot pace and talent to tear out winners from defensive positions in opposition to the brute power and expertise of Nadal.
The pair traded breaks halfway by the set earlier than an error-strewn eleventh sport from Nadal noticed de Minaur serve for the match.
There’d be no extra drama because the Australian served it out to like to assert the win.
After a patchy again half of 2022 and a shock loss to Great Britain’s Cameron Norrie in Spain’s opening tie, there have been questions being raised about Nadal’s type and motivation as he heads into the twilight of his profession.
Since pulling out of the Wimbledon semi-final of 2022 in opposition to Nick Kyrgios he has had 4 wins on tour from 11 begins.
De Minaur finishes the match with a 1-1 singles report after additionally falling to Norrie.
