De Minaur showcased his brilliance on his 25th birthday with an impressive victory over Grigor Dimitrov in straight sets. It had been a year since De Minaur suffered a defeat to Dimitrov in the quarter-finals of Rotterdam, but now, after 12 months, things are looking up for the Australian. In his post-match interview, De Minaur expressed his utmost satisfaction with his performance, stating that it was one of the finest matches he has played from start to finish. He acknowledged Dimitrov’s ability to elevate his game and compete until the end, but managed to fight off tough break points with his exceptional tennis skills. Holding onto his serve at crucial moments allowed him to continue his journey in the tournament.
Having secured his fourth Top 10 victory of the year by defeating Andrey Rublev in the quarter-finals, De Minaur entered the court with confidence and assurance. Throughout the match, he engaged in a baseline battle with Dimitrov, displaying remarkable power from both sides and committing very few unforced errors. His energetic and confident display served as a warning to his future opponents. De Minaur emphasized that this level of play is his standard and he aims to bring it every time he steps onto the court. He believes that he has taken a significant step forward, demonstrating the type of tennis he is capable of playing consistently. He hopes to continue raising the bar and achieving even greater success.
According to De Minaur, a shift in mindset has been instrumental in his improved results on the court. He credits his mentality for his consistent physicality and acknowledges that it can be challenging to maintain a positive mindset throughout the long tennis season. However, since the beginning of the tournament in Rotterdam, he has felt a calm presence and has remained positive and composed during matches. This mental approach has played a significant role in his recent success.
De Minaur may potentially face Jannik Sinner, the Australian Open champion, in the singles final of the Rotterdam tournament on Sunday.
According to the Source tennis365.com