Alex de Minaur needed almost three hours but he was able to defeat
Rafael Nadal in three sets 3-6 6-1 7-5 to give Australia a huge point in the
United Cup.
It was always going to be a very interesting matchup between Nadal and the Speed demon and the latter outran Nadal to the finish line. It was a great battle with the packed stands enjoying every bit of it and the finish was particularly satisfying for the crowd. Nadal proved better in the early goings of the match taking the opening set 6-3 behind solid play.
de Minaur roared back in the second back demolishing Nadal 6-1. The demolition was most evident in the score because it was not your typical six-game set. It lasted 55 minutes with every point being a proper battle between the players. It lasted only six minutes less than the final set where we saw twice as many games.
The final set was well-played by both as the momentum shifted a couple of times. Nadal wasted early break points with de Minaur taking a 3-2 lead. Nadal broke back immediately but eventually ran out of gas just like against Norrie 5-7. A good effort but probably a few more retirement questions coming.