Alex de Minaur might not have the profile or firepower of compatriot Nick Kyrgios, however he has simply managed an achievement that has thus far eluded the previous Wimbledon finalist.
De Minaur has been on a sizzling streak of late, reaching the ultimate at his final two ATP Tour occasions.
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The 24-year-old misplaced to world No. 4 Stefanos Tsitsipas within the last at Los Cabos in Mexico a fortnight in the past earlier than succumbing in one other decider final week, this time to the sixth-ranked Italian Jannik Sinner within the last of the ATP Masters 1000 occasion in Toronto.
While disillusioned to not add to his seven singles titles thus far in both occasion, he might no less than be glad by reaching a career-high mark within the newest ATP rankings.
De Minaur’s latest run allowed him to leap six spots to No. 12 within the standings.
That is one spot greater than Kyrgios has managed thus far in his profession, with thirteenth being the Canberrans highest rank thus far, achieved manner again in 2016.
Injuries have cruelled Kyrgios’ 2023 season, enjoying only one match for the 12 months, a defeat in Stuttgart again in June.
His rating has fallen all the best way to No. 127, though he acknowledged lately he has an injury-protected rating of twenty first at any time when he does return to the courtroom.
Meanwhile, De Minaur’s rating is the very best by an Aussie since former world No. 1 Lleyton Hewitt was nonetheless within the prime 10 again in 2006
De Minaur beat world No. 3 Daniil Medvedev, ninth-ranked Taylor Fritz and No. 13 Cameron Norrie in Toronto, whereas he has additionally recorded victories in opposition to prime 10 gamers Holger Rune (twice) and Andrey Rublev in a promising 2023.
“Step by step, I feel like I’m getting better,” De Minaur stated after the loss to Sinner. “I’m showing my level against top opponents, day in and day out.
“This week was a great week for me. I’m feeling confident. I’m going to be ranked 12 and I’ve still got plenty and plenty of areas to improve on.
“I think it’s going to be the case my whole career but that’s the beauty of it, so it’s exciting for me.”
While Kyrgios introduced earlier this month that harm has dominated him out of the US Open beginning later this month, which means he could have missed all 4 majors in 2023, De Minaur’s star is on the rise.
The seemingly tireless Sydneysider is backing up in Cincinnati this week, successful his first spherical conflict with American J.J. Wolf on Wednesday morning (AEST).
Immediately after the US Open, the person often known as the Demon will spearhead Australia’s Davis Cup marketing campaign, beginning September 13.
The Aussie aspect misplaced the ultimate to Canada in a heartbreaking defeat final 12 months.
“I think what motivates us is to try and get one better than we did last year,” de Minaur stated.
“We got so close to being able to lift that Davis Cup trophy, that gave us a lot of fire in the belly to come back and go for more.”
Australia has been grouped with Great Britain, France and Switzerland and should end within the prime two in Manchester to progress.
Naturally, Australian captain Hewitt has been thrilled by De Minaur’s latest kind.
“There’s been a lot of really good performances not only in singles but also doubles throughout the year,” Hewitt stated.
“Alex de Minaur has played some of his best tennis in Davis Cup, so we’re very fortunate to have him spearheading us again going into Manchester.
“He’s come off a fantastic run in Toronto.”
Thanasi Kokkinakis, Jordan Thompson, Max Purcell and doubles specialist Matt Ebden full the Australian aspect.
Source: www.news.com.au
