Aussie tennis sensation Alex de Minaur achieved a remarkable comeback to secure his 10th ATP Tour title on Monday, defeating No.12 seed Alejandro Davidovich Fokina in a thrilling final with a score of 5-7, 6-1, 7-6(3). The 26-year-old displayed incredible resilience, saving three championship points while trailing 4-1 in the deciding set, ultimately triumphing in a nail-biting tiebreaker.
With this victory, De Minaur not only earned approximately $640,000 in prize money but also claimed his eighth title on hard courts, adding to his previous runner-up finish at the same tournament in 2018. The win has propelled him to No.8 in the world rankings.
The match was a rollercoaster, as Fokina initially took charge, appearing poised to secure the championship. However, De Minaur’s determination shone through as he battled back from a seemingly insurmountable deficit.
After the match, a visibly emotional Fokina reflected on his fourth finals loss, sitting in tears on his chair. Despite his disappointment, he graciously congratulated De Minaur, recognising his worthiness in victory. “I want to say congrats to Alex. He deserved the win,” he said, acknowledging De Minaur’s tenacity on the court.
In a heartfelt moment of sportsmanship, De Minaur approached Fokina, offering comfort and sharing words of encouragement. During his victory speech, he expressed admiration for his opponent, stating, “You’re way too good to not have one of these. It’s coming for sure. You deserve it today; I just got lucky.” His remarks highlighted the mutual respect between the two competitors, with De Minaur acknowledging Fokina’s talent and competitive spirit.
De Minaur, who is yet to capture a major title, is now setting his sights on the upcoming US Open, which begins on August 24. This victory not only adds to his accolades but also strengthens his resolve as he continues to strive for success on the ATP Tour.