In a commanding display of skill and determination, Alex de Minaur guided Australia to its second consecutive Davis Cup final after a resounding victory over Finland’s Emil Ruusuvuori in Malaga last Friday.
De Minaur’s stellar performance saw him seize 18 break point opportunities during his emphatic 6-4, 6-3 triumph, converting five crucial times while securing an impressive 48% of his first-serve return points. Notably, this marks his fourth consecutive singles victory in the Davis Cup Finals, solidifying his prowess on the international stage.
The Australian charge was bolstered by teammate Alexei Popyrin’s notable 7-6(5), 6-2 win against Otto Virtanen. Popyrin, expressing his elation, labeled the victory as “probably the biggest win of my career” in an interview with DavisCup.com, emphasizing its significance for the team and his personal journey.
The upcoming final on Sunday will witness Australia facing off against the winner of the Serbia versus Italy tie. Notably, this match is poised to showcase a rematch of the Nitto ATP Finals title clash between Novak Djokovic and Jannik Sinner, adding further intrigue to the prestigious tournament’s climax.
Australia’s path to the final encountered early hurdles against the Czech Republic earlier in the week. However, a remarkable turnaround ensued as de Minaur rallied from a 3-5 deficit in a critical service game, winning an astounding 10 consecutive points to overturn the match against Jiri Lehecka. Subsequently, Matthew Ebden and Max Purcell sealed the deal in the deciding doubles rubber.
With sights set on redemption after last year’s defeat to Canada in the final, Australia eyes a triumphant return. The nation boasts a commendable 28-20 record in Davis Cup finals, trailing only the United States (32-29) in historical tournament success.
Despite its storied legacy, it’s been two decades since Australia secured the prestigious Cup, last achieving victory in 2003 against Spain at Melbourne Park. The current captain, Lleyton Hewitt, along with stalwarts Mark Philippoussis, Wayne Arthurs, and Todd Woodbridge, played pivotal roles in that triumph, a cherished memory for Australian tennis enthusiasts.
As the stage is set for the Davis Cup’s culmination, Australia stands poised to script another chapter in its illustrious tennis history, seeking to reignite the glory of yesteryears on the international front.
Alex De Minaur in 2023
At the moment ranked no.12, Alex played his last match on the 24th of November when he overcame world no.69 Emil Ruusuvuori 6-4 6-3 in the Rubber 2 of the Davis Cup (draw).
Until now, during this year De Minaur owns an overall 46-25 win-loss record. Alex has won 1 title in Acapulco. De Minaur got to the final in London, Los Cabos and Toronto.
Alex De Minaur |
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