Australia’s top men’s tennis player, Alex de Minaur, faces a daunting challenge against 24-time Grand Slam champion Novak Djokovic in the fourth round at Wimbledon. This encounter marks a significant moment, following de Minaur’s withdrawal from their planned quarter-final match last year due to a hip injury.
After a year away from the court, de Minaur has regained fitness and aims to pull off an upset against the formidable Djokovic. Commentator Daniela Hantuchova has noted that de Minaur must turn the match into a physically demanding contest, leveraging his fitness against Djokovic’s experience, especially considering the Serbian’s recent mastery of precision serving.
De Minaur acknowledges that while his form may have dipped this season, he feels mentally prepared for the clash. He expressed confidence in his mindset, stating, “I’m hoping that the game [and] the tennis is gonna come along.” Djokovic, for his part, has recognised de Minaur’s improved consistency and physical condition over the past year, dubbing him a strong competitor boasting impressive skills on grass.
Despite his potential, de Minaur’s historical performances against elite players haven’t been stellar, with an ATP record of 18-54 against top-10 players, highlighting a struggle in high-stakes matches. He recently fell to Carlos Alcaraz in the Barcelona Open quarter-finals and was defeated by Jannik Sinner in January at the Australian Open.
In their previous matchups, Djokovic leads with two wins against de Minaur. To turn the tide, it is crucial for de Minaur to start strong on Centre Court, where Djokovic has a remarkable record. Hantuchova emphasised the importance of a good beginning, particularly at Wimbledon, where the stakes are high.
The highly anticipated match is set to take place first on Centre Court, commencing at 10:30 pm AEST. With both players gearing up for the contest, fans are eager to witness whether de Minaur can challenge the reigning champion and make his mark in this prestigious tournament.