ATP Cup: Alex de Minaur defeats Matteo Berrettini

Alex de Minaur knocked off a Wimbledon finalist using a tactic that former world No.1 Jim Courier had not seen before.

Alex de Minaur’s return of serve against Matteo Berrettini was electrifying Picture: Getty Images

Alex de Minaur knocked off Wimbledon finalist Matteo Berrettini at the ATP Cup on Sunday night in a performance that could not have been more electrifying if it was accompanied by a strike of lightning across the upper tiers of Ken Rosewall Arena.

The Australian won 6-3, 7-6 (7-4) and screamed words to the effect of, “This is my f…ing court!” He told the buzzing Sydney crowd: “It’s no secret that this court brings out the best in me. There’s no place like home. Playing for Australia, there’s no greater honour … I’m back and I’m ready to have a big year.”

Berrettini became so frustrated by de Minaur’s brazen returns of serve that he adopted a tennis version of Bodyline. The powerhouse Italian was serving in excess of 220km/h – the sort of speed that pushes most returners towards the back fence – but de Minaur stood unusually close to the baseline, occasionally inside it. Razor-sharp reflexes, quick hands and slick footwork enabled him to keep punching returns that drove Berrettini stark raving. Late in the first set, the world No.8 did the only thing he could. He started serving at the body.

It was a legitimate tactic. Nothing unsporting about it. When a player is inching too far forward, it’s fair play to go to the body. Happens all the time in doubles and Max Purcell did it to Jannik Sinner in the opening singles match between Australia and Italy, won comfortably by Sinner. De Minaur’s method was akin to a Test batter taking guard outside of his crease before a fast bowler decides a little chin music is the only way to push him on his heels.

“No-one ever stands that close to return Berretini’s serve,” America’s former world No.1 Jim Courier said in commentary. One of Berrettini’s monster serves had de Minaur ducking and weaving out of the way like he was combating a new ball on a green-top pitch. Chest guard, thigh pad and helmet might have been in order.

It was extraordinary skilful stuff from de Minaur. The exact opposite of the methods of Rafael Nadal and Daniil Medvedev, who may as well be in the first row of the grandstand when they aim up. He blew a 5-3 lead in the second set before recovering. His brand of tennis is an attractive one. Aggressive. He belts a short ball and charges the net. Volleys are frequently knifed for a winner.

There was a bit of David toppling Goliath in de Minaur’s win. A bit of Steve Waugh standing up to Curtly Ambrose. De Minaur seems to have been on tour a long time but he’s still only 22.

At 3-3, 30-30 in the second set, Berrettini hammered a serve down the T at 215km/h. De Minaur slapped it back like he was facing a medium-pacer. He broke serve and punched his fists. He wobbled before getting the win. He lit up the arena with a performance both brilliant and blinding.