• Football
  • Boxing
  • UFC
  • Home
  • Football
    • England
    • Transfer News
    • Premier League
    • Champions League
    • Lionel Messi
    • Cristiano Ronaldo
    • EA FC 25
    • Wrexham
  • Boxing
    • Tyson Fury
    • Anthony Joshua
    • Oleksandr Usyk
    • Mike Tyson
    • Jake Paul
    • Logan Paul
  • UFC
    • Dana White
    • Conor McGregor
    • Khabib Nurmagomedov
    • Jon Jones
    • Paddy Pimblett
    • Joe Rogan
  • Other Sport
    • Athletics
    • Formula 1
    • MMA
    • Motorsport
    • NBA
    • Darts
    • NFL
    • Snooker
    • Wrestling
    • Tennis
    • Cricket
    • Golf
  • Advertise
  • Terms
  • Privacy & Cookies
  • LADbible Group
  • LADbible
  • UNILAD
  • GAMINGbible
  • Tyla
  • UNILAD Tech
  • FOODbible
  • License Our Content
  • About Us & Contact
  • Jobs
  • Latest
  • Topics A-Z
  • Authors
Facebook
Instagram
X
Threads
Snapchat
TikTok
YouTube
Alex de Minaur defeats Rafael Nadal in huge upset ahead of Australian Open

Home> Tennis

Published 21:23 2 Jan 2023 GMT

Alex de Minaur defeats Rafael Nadal in huge upset ahead of Australian Open

The Australian star was overcome with emotion after defeating the 22-time Grand Slam winner.

Stewart Perrie

Stewart Perrie

Alex de Minaur has had a huge boost in confidence ahead of the Australian Open after beating one of the greatest tennis players of all time.

The 23-year-old young gun came up against Rafael Nadal at the United Cup and has proved his worth.

The Aussie player eventually defeated the legendary Spaniard 3-6, 6-1, 7-5 in stunning form.

De Minuar becomes only the fourth Australian after Lleyton Hewitt, Chris Guccione and Nick Kyrgios to beat Nadal in his career, according to 9News.

Advert

That's no small feat.

UK Sports Pics Ltd/Alamy Live News

He held off an impressive display in the third and final set, and admitted he had to dig deep in order to get the win.

"As you're trying to serve that out it's completely natural to have these different scenarios coming into your head, but I tried to think as little as possible," he said post-match, according to Wide World of Sports.

Advert

"I just said to myself, 'See ball, hit ball', and it worked out. I was able to serve probably the best game I've served all match [to close it out] so I'll definitely take that."

He added: "I think it's definitely up there [as one of my best wins]," he remarked.

"It's one of those achievements that you have unlocked in your career.

"But also, it's a big win for myself, one that I really needed. I'm gonna cherish and use, take all the confidence from this and be able to hopefully take it to have a good Aussie summer.

Advert

"It's always a surreal experience playing here. Just walking out there and hearing the support I get on that court is pretty special.

Action Plus Sports Images/Alamy Live News

"No secret [that] it is my favourite court to play on in front of friends and family. I've had so many great memories, and I've been able to add another one to it. I'm extremely stoked."

Alex has called the win a 'dream come true' and says it was extra special doing it while representing Australia on the world stage.

Advert

"Honestly, whenever I get the chance to play for Australia, I'm a true believer in there being no greater honour than representing your country," he said.

"So every time there's an opportunity I'll put my hand up. I love doing it, I love playing for Australia and I'll keep doing it with a smile on my face."

Alex says it will definitely help his attitude over the next few weeks.

The Australian Open gets underway on January 16 and the tournament will no doubt be packed full of exciting twists, turns and opportunities.

Featured Image Credit: UK Sports Pics Ltd/Alamy Live News. Action Plus Sports Images/Alamy Live News

Topics: Tennis, Australia

Stewart Perrie
Stewart Perrie

Advert

Advert

Advert

Choose your content:

16 hours ago
18 hours ago
21 hours ago
a day ago
  • 16 hours ago

    Grigor Dimitrov issues emotional statement after Wimbledon dream ended in tears

    Dimitrov was forced to retire at two sets up against Jannik Sinner.

    Tennis
  • 18 hours ago

    Aryna Sabalenka tells reporters they 'can leave right now' as she brings up controversial French Open incident

    Sabalenka has now lost all three of her Wimbledon semi-finals after Thursday's defeat to Amanda Anisimova.

    Tennis
  • 21 hours ago

    Tennis fans slam Aryna Sabalenka's actions during Wimbledon defeat as she issues statement on what happened

    Aryna Sabalenka was involved in an explosive moment with Amanda Anisimova during her semi-final clash at Wimbledon.

    Tennis
  • a day ago

    Novak Djokovic and rest of Wimbledon roster must follow strict rule that Andy Murray was given special permission to break

    Djokovic, Sinner and the rest of the Wimbledon line-up must follow one of the strictest rules in sports.

    Tennis
  • Jannik Sinner recently changed his mind when picking GOAT out of Novak Djokovic, Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal
  • Rafael Nadal made his feelings clear on rematching Roger Federer in £1m half-clay, half-grass court contest
  • Novak Djokovic reveals who he prefers out of Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal after feeling 'unwanted'
  • Nick Kyrgios sends 10-word message to Rafael Nadal following his retirement after 'lack of respect' comment