Even by Alex de Minaur’s standards, the speed he showcased at 4-4, deuce in the third set against Frances Tiafoe was next-level stuff.
De Minaur retrieved two hue Tiafoe forehands in the forehand corner, scrambled to the backhand side to bunt back yet another ferocious forehand from the American, and then improbably tracked down a near-perfect dropshot. That ultimately forced Tiafoe into an error, amazingly giving the point to De Minaur.
The 26-year-old Australian would go on to secure a crucial break of serve before serving out the match in the next game for a 6-2, 4-6, 6-4 victory.
“It was never going to be easy and Frances has the ability to turn the switch on whenever he wants, so it is always very tricky to put him away,” De Minaur commented. “I think I battled him, myself and the conditions and I am happy to sneak away with a win today.”
The world No. 8, who is coming off a title in Washington, D.C., awaits either Ben Shelton or Flavio Cobolli in the quarterfinals.
unreal
What can you say about his court coverage?!
On a par w/ the Joker at Novak’s peak?