US Open live: Alex de Minaur beats giant killer Jordan Thompson in all Aussie clash
Alex de Minaur is through to the quarterfinals of the US Open after outlasting a fighting Jordan Thompson, achieving a calendar-year feat no Australian has since Lleyton Hewitt.
Alex de Minaur is through to the last eight at the US Open after beating compatriot Jordan Thompson in a gritty match 6-0 3-6 6-3 7-5.
In a match between great mates and Davis Cup teammates who often practice together and know each other’s game inside out, there were few spectacular highs.
De Minaur dominated early, winning the first set in a canter against a nervous Thompson, who fought back to win the second set and improved throughout the match.
De Minaur has paid tribute to his fellow Sydneysider.
“I’ve got so much respect for Thommo, we’ve grown up together and he’s like a big brother to me,” he said.
“I really appreciate everything he’s done for me and he’s a hell of a competitor, my Davis Cup teammmate and I can’t wait to share the court many, many times with him.”
Thompson looked at one stage as though he might push the match into a deciding fifth before the dogged Demon outlasted him.
It’s the way de Minaur plays. The way he’s forced his way into the world’s top 10.
The way he became the first Aussie in 20 years - since Lleyton Hewitt indeed - to have made the fourth round of all four grand slam tournaments in one calendar year.
Now, he’s made the quarters in the last three.
“It’s just a mentality,” de Minaur said of his consistency.
“Positive mindset no matter what, try to play every point, try to win every point and as always, compete my heart out.”
He wants to make up for lost time though.
After injury forced him to concede to Novak Djokovic at Wimbledon before a ball was hit in anger and he made the decision to withdraw from the singles at the Paris Games, de Minaur will want to make the most of his chance in New York.
While the bottom half of the draw has opened up, de Minaur still faces a tough path if he makes the semis, where the winner of the clash between no.1 seed Jannik Sinner and Daniil Medvedev (5) awaits.
Before he gets there though, he needs to beat Britain’s Jack Draper, who has been outstanding over the last week.
De Minaur has won all three of their previous encounters.
“We’ve never played in a grand slam, best of five, so it’s a completely different ball game,” he said.
“He’s been playing some great tennis all year round, so I’m expecting a battle.
“He’s very tricky.
“I’m going to do my best, I’m going to compete my heart out and we’ll see what happens.”
Re-live the action below
More Coverage
16-year old Emerson Jones triumphs as Family Connection Takes Center Stage
World number one junior Emerson Jones made her Far North debut on Wednesday, but for the 16-year old with a bright future, it was an acknowledgment of the past shared with her older brother that was at the forefront of her performance.
WADA appeals World No.1’s doping decision, pursues ban
Jannik Sinner is “very disappointed” but confident after the World Anti-Doping Agency appealed the decision to clear him in his steroid case, seeking a ban of up to two years.