“I got a win over the GOAT” – De Minaur in celebration mode after beating Djokovic
Alex de Minaur knows that beating the best is a big achievement, but there is a long way to go for him
Alex de Minaur (Icon SMI/Panoramic)
Alex de Minaur got his first-ever career win over Novak Djokovic – and a straight-sets 6-4, 6-4 triumph at that as Australia reached the semi-finals of the United Cup.
And he was certainly making the most of it.
With a smile on his face, he told reporters: “It feels amazing. It’s hard to put into words. It’s a very good feeling. Everything that could have gone well went well today.
“Yeah, I’m happy that I can say I got a win over the GOAT!”
But he refused to be drawn on his chances at the Australian Open.
“Llet’s not get too ahead of ourselves. I’ve just walked off the court about 15 minutes ago, so it’s safe to say I still haven’t processed what just happened.
“Look, the level is there. Five sets is a different beast. But I’m happy with where my level is, where I am mentally, and the mindset I’ve got going in. And I definitely know that I’ve got a very high top level and I would love to bring it for Melbourne.”
Hewitt on de Minaur’s chances against Tsitsipas
Later in the day, during the team press conference, Team Australia captain Lleyton Hewitt speculated on the possibility of facing Greece in the semi-finals, meaning that de Minaur would face another player against whom he has a less than stellar record – Stefanos Tsitsipas. The Greek currently holds a 10-0 head-to-head lead.
“He’d never beaten Novak before tonight either,” pointed out Hewitt. “So we’re looking forward to changing that one. We’ll change that one, too!”
And de Minaur found another positive spin on the stat.
“The beauty is we are yet to play in 2024, so I am undefeated [against Tsitsipas] in 2024!” he joked.
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