Alex de Minaur, the 25-year-old Australian tennis star, has finally broken through the Grand Slam quarterfinals barrier, thanks to an unlikely source: a super-fan.
After reaching the quarterfinals at the US Open in 2020, De Minaur had been stuck in the fourth round at majors, losing five times in that stage. However, in Paris on Monday, he found his "something extra" in the form of a young French teenager who cheered him on loudly during his previous win.
De Minaur's new secret weapon worked wonders as he recorded just his third win over former world No. 1 Daniil Medvedev in nine tries, 4-6, 6-2, 6-1, 6-4. The Aussie's speed, dogged defense, and underrated creativity proved too much for Medvedev, who was also hampered by a blister on his foot.
"He's managed a miracle," said a smiling De Minaur of his fan. "Might have to get him on tour week in, week out."
Despite his previous struggles on clay, De Minaur has found a new love for the surface at Roland Garros. After winning the first set, Medvedev was treated for a blister on his foot, and the match turned. De Minaur broke for the first time at 3-2, and was in control for the next two sets.
"I always thought that for me to play well on the clay I needed hot, lively conditions," said De Minaur. "But, you know, this whole tournament has proven otherwise, right?"
Whatever the circumstances, De Minaur has proclaimed himself a dirt ball convert. When the match was over, he yelled something into the stands in Lenglen. Afterward, he was asked what he had said.
"I screamed 'I love the clay! I love it here! I can't get enough!"
Tags: #AlexdeMinaur, #RolandGarros, #GrandSlam, #SuperFan, #Tennis
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