By Richard Pagliaro | @Tennis_Now | Wednesday, January 3, 2024
Speed Demon Alex de Minaur understands tennis is all about timing.
De Minaur crashed the family Christmas party as The Grinch last month.
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The Demon delivered a massive tennis party in Perth.
Exhorted by home fans, de Minaur shocked Grand Slam king Novak Djokovic 6-4, 6-4 sparking Australia’s United Cup sweep of Serbia—and inciting roars of revelry from Aussie fans.
World No. 12 de Minaur called his first win over a world No. 1 the biggest victory of his career.
De Minaur silenced his skeptics—at least for one day—who have branded him a lightweight version of his tennis hero, Australian captain Lleyton Hewitt, a quick counter puncher who lacks the big blows to take down true champions and become a Top 10 mainstay.
“It’s something I’ve heard my whole career. I’m not big enough, I’m not strong enough, I’m a pusher, don’t have the firepower,” de Minaur said. “Never going to be a top player. But, you know, I hear this week in, week out.
“The only thing that does is give me more fire and adds more gasoline to this engine that’s ready to do everything in its power to prove people wrong. Hey, everyone is entitled to their own opinion, but I know that I’m going to get the absolute most out of myself.”
How do you follow a professional peak?
How about a deep run at the Happy Slam and a major step toward happily ever after?
Asked by the Australian media if he’s considering proposing to long-time girlfriend, WTA pro and fellow Grinch aficionado Katie Boulter, de Minaur replied with a smile “it’s not in the cards just yet. Not ruling it out.”
Here’s de Minaur’s exchange with the media in Perth after his win.
Question: Great win tonight. You mentioned the AO. Rusty [Lleyton Hewitt] is your idol on the court. But what about off the court? In 2005 he proposed to his then-girlfriend Bec [Cartwright]. Will we get a proposal to Katie [Boulter] after the AO?
ALEX de MINAUR: (Laughter.) Jeez. Putting me on the spot here. Yeah, it’s not on the cards just yet. Not ruling it out. But yeah, for the time being, I’m going to try and focus on playing tennis and then we’ll think about the off-court activities.”
Of course, Australian fans are all in on de Minaur pumping up the party at the Happy Slam, which starts on January 17th.
You’d be chomping at the cork in the champagne bottle too…
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