Alex de Minaur believes his recent hip injury might have been a ‘blessing in disguise’ when it comes to his performance at this year’s US Open.
The Australian world No.10 is through to the last eight in New York after beating compatriot Jordan Thompson 6-0, 3-6, 6-3, 7-5. De Minaur is the first player from his country in 20 years to reach the quarter-finals at three consecutive Grand Slam events. Overall, he has reached the fourth round or better in six out of the last eight major events he has played.
However, de Minaur’s latest run is more of a shock considering his recent injury battle. At Wimbledon, he was forced to withdraw from the tournament after suffering a tear in the fiber cartilage of his hip region. As a result, he was unable toplay singles at the Paris Olympics but did play in the doubles event where he lost in the first round. He also didn’t play any of the North American events leading up to Flushing Meadows this year.
“It’s been a whirlwind. The last seven (or) eight weeks, I’ve dealt with a lot of emotions (there has been) a lot of experiences that have taken a big chunk of my energy and resources,” the 25-year-old said during his press conference after beating Thompson.
“Coming in, I didn’t have too many expectations. The hip wasn’t close to 100 percent. It wasn’t feeling amazing. I justwas going to go out there and see what I was able to do. Slowly, it’s been feeling better and better each day.
“So all of a sudden, everything has happened with the draws, a lot of upsets, and you’re staring at this opportunity.
“In a way, it’s been a blessing in disguise, because I haven’t put too much pressure on myself, because I know how I felt with my hip. But at the same time, every day I felt better and better. So it’s hopefully I’m peaking for the right moment.”
The 10th seed has dropped three sets in four matches played in New York so far. He is a win away from booking a place in a Grand Slam semi-finals for the first time in his career.
Standing in his way is Jack Draper, who dropped only six games against Tomas Machac in his latest match. The Brit, who reached the quarter-finals of the Cincinnati Masters last month, is yet to drop a set in the tournament and is playing some of the best tennis of his career.
“I think the biggest thing that we need to understand is that there is nothing sure in tennis, right? (It) doesn’t matter how many times you’ve played someone. It doesn’t mean much,” de Minaur said of playing Draper.
“Jack, he’s coming off his best year by far. He’s playing with a lot of confidence. He’s got some very big weapons; his serve, backhand, and forehand at times. So it’s always tough facing someone like him, especially a lefty.
“I have had some success in the past. I’m going to try and draw on that.”
Sharing the same view as his opponent, Draper is not taking anything for granted in his upcoming match.
“I know that my work is going to be cut out, and I know I’m going to have to play really good tennis and bring some of my best to beat them.” He said.
The winner of this match will next take on either world No.1 Jannik Sinner or 2022 champion Daniil Medvedev.
