Alex de Minaur has sent an emphatic message to the tennis world that he is a dark horse when the Australian Open begins in a fortnight’s time, the hometown hero crushing American world No.10 Taylor Fritz to keep Team Australia’s hopes alive at the United Cup.
De Minaur, whose previous match at the tournament was a tough three-set loss to Briton Cameron Norrie, produced one of his most spectacular performances to leave the US Open quarter-finalist struggling for answers.
The 24-year old, ranked 12th in the world but without a grand slam quarter-final appearance since 2020, was too fast for the American’s power game, his trademark run and gun approach and superb court coverage breaking Fritz’s serve repeatedly – as well as his own shoelaces.
“He’s genuinely unbeatable,” Fritz complained to his team after de Minaur broke via a spectacular point for a 5-2 lead in the second set.
Only near the end did the Australian waver, giving Fritz his first break points for the match with a series of nervy shots and double-faulting on match point; but de Minaur would eventually secure the victory at the third time of asking.
“I’m not sure I’ve seen him play better than this,” Australian tennis great John Fitzgerald on Stan Sport.
De Minaur drove Fritz mad throughout his dominant win, with frustration getting the better of the American.
The 26-year-old threw his racquet across the court in disgust early in the second set after de Minaur pulled off a crazy winner to secure a crucial break.
On another occasion, Fritz rested his head on the net in defeat following yet another sizzling winner from de Minaur.
“Today was a little bit of a new year, new me type of thing,” de Minaur said.
“It worked out well. I was in a great head space. I played the type of tennis I wanted to play, so I’m very happy with that.
“I’ve played Taylor plenty of times. He’s got some explosive firepower, and you have to try to not to let him dictate play.
“I tried to be aggressive. I was able to execute. I’m very happy with that.”
Fritz was a hero of America’s United Cup triumph last summer, recording four wins from his five singles matches, including impressive triumphs over grand slam finalists Alexander Zverev and Matteo Berrettini.
But he was simply no match against de Minaur, who registered 28 winners to 19 winners in the rout.
De Minaur secured victory with his third match point, producing a deft drop shot to seal the deal.
Alex de Minaur celebrates during his United Cup win over Taylor Fritz. (Photo by Paul Kane/Getty Images)
His on-court movement throughout the match was superb, and his sliced backhand also proved to be a major weapon.
“I’m just trying to show out there that I can do a lot more things than just run side to side,” de Minaur said.
“I’ve got a couple of things up my pocket. I have to try to bring them out more.”
The win leaves Australia needing to win the women’s singles and mixed doubles ties to take top spot in their group and automatically progress to the quarter-finals; win one of those, and the calculators will need to come out.