Repulsed by the blows of Alexander Zverev, for a little, Alex de Minaur could have repotted the geraniums at the edge of the Philippe-Chatrier court, Wednesday June 5. The German’s heavy, deep forehand ball ended up imploding the Australian, logically beaten by the world number 4 on the Parisian clay (6-4, 7-6, 6-4) in a little less three hours.
For his first quarter-final at Roland-Garros – which had not happened for a representative of the island continent since… Lleyton Hewitt in 2004 – the world number 11 did not disappoint. He once again demonstrated his fierce defense which earned him the nickname “Demon”. Like at 4-3 break against him in the second set, where he puts back a smash from Zverev, before slipping a drop shot and perfectly adjusting a lob, trapping the German. Then a few minutes later at 5-5, where he was first lobbed at the net by his elder, but managed to return the ball with a backhand slice and ended up winning the point. He will even have the opportunity to equalize in a set everywhere.
Alas, despite his glance, his attempts to saw off his opponent’s legs by abusing backhand slices and his well-felt accelerations in the forehand, the 1.80 m right-hander (for 69 kg) did not the weight compared to Zverev’s serving and baseline power, his tennis DNA. The German qualified for his fourth semi-final in a row on the Parisian central court. As in 2023, he will find Casper Ruud – the Norwegian had eliminated him at this stage – who benefited from Novak Djokovic’s package.
Sentenced to a fine of 450,000 euros
On the court, Alex Corretja was quick to congratulate the winner, showering him with compliments: “ Good job! Your work ethic is a great example for all players on the circuit, and here you are again in the semi-final of the tournament. We see you with a smile, it’s not just tennis, it also comes from the heart,” launched him the double finalist of the Parisian Grand Slam (in 1998 and 2001). “This sport has given me everything in life (…), so if I can give back to the spectators… When I see joy on their faces, that’s my reward,” replied the world number 4, relieved.
The recent winner of Rome, a title that propelled him among the favorites of the tournament, was on a tightrope since the third round, where, failing to twist his ankle, he ended up on his knees against Tallon Griekspoor (3-6 , 6-4, 6-2, 4-6, 7-6). In the round of 16, he once again found his back against the wall against the Dane Holger Rune (4-6, 6-1, 5-7, 7-6, 6-2). The public could have held it against him for having knocked down the idol Rafael Nadal in the first round. Nope. The German received a standing ovation after his victory against Griekspoor, and you had to strain your ears to hear a few whistles amid the applause after his victory against Rune.
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