Alex de Minaur has enjoyed a breakthrough in Canada, progressing to his first ever ATP Masters 1000 quarterfinal thanks to a gritty win over world No.9 Taylor Fritz.
Toronto, Canada, 11 August 2023 | Matt Trollope
Toronto, Canada
Alex de Minaur has advanced to his first ever ATP Masters 1000 quarterfinal in Toronto, snapping a three-match losing streak against Taylor Fritz in the process.
De Minaur earned a fifth top-10 win of 2023 against the world No.9, after posting a 7-6(7) 4-6 6-1 victory.
He progresses to a quarterfinal meeting with world No.2 Daniil Medvedev.
Fellow Aussie Aleksandar Vukic is currently on court against Gael Monfils, hoping to join De Minaur in the last eight.
> Watch the Aussies in Toronto on beIN Sports or TennisTV
De Minaur saved two set points when trailing 5-1 in the first set, but somehow snatched the opener against a shell-shocked Fritz, who finished the match with 55 unforced errors.
Serving for the match, De Minaur fell behind 0-40 but played five excellent points to end the contest after almost two-and-a-half hours.
The Aussie believed his never-say-die attitude was the decisive factor in this triumph.
“Doesn’t matter what the score is, I’m always going to fight until the end,” said De Minaur, who improves to 8-2 on North American hard courts this summer.
“I thought it was very important for me to stay positive and essentially being able to compete and stay positive got me into that match, and got me playing a great level. I knew even if I’d lost that set, at least I was going to be in the match and playing a lot better.
“It feels great to finally break that (Masters quarterfinal) barrier. I felt like I’ve been close a couple of times, so it’s good to get this win.”
In doubles, Matt Ebden’s partnership with Rohan Bopanna continues to flourish, with the duo winning through to the Toronto quarterfinals.
The Wimbledon semifinalists are now 28-13 this season after beating the tough combination of Jamie Murray and Michael Venus in straight sets.
Aussies in action – Toronto
RESULTS
Men’s singles, third round
Alex de Minaur (AUS) d [8] Taylor Fritz (USA) 7-6(7) 4-6 6-1
[LL] Aleksandar Vukic (AUS) v Gael Monfils (FRA) – in progress
Men’s doubles second round
[4] Matt Ebden (AUS)/Rohan Bopanna (IND) d Jamie Murray (GBR)/Michael Venus (NZL) 6-3 6-3
Max Purcell (AUS)/Andrey Rublev v Nathaniel Lammons (USA)/Jackson…
Click Here to Read the Full Original Article at Tennis.com.au – Tennis Australia…