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Alex de Minaur says he is oozing confidence after his win over world number one Novak Djokovic, but is refusing to get carried away with the victory.
Key points:
De Minaur triumphed 6-4, 6-4 over DjokovicIt was the Australian’s first win over the world number oneThe result came 12 months after Djokovic thrashed de Minaur at the Australian Open
De Minaur beat Djokovic 6-4, 6-4 in their singles rubber in Wednesday night’s United Cup quarterfinal in Perth, as Australia got past Serbia to reach the last four.
The result ended the Serbian’s stunning 43-match, seven-year winning streak in Australia.
It was also in stark contrast to a year ago, when de Minaur was thumped 6-2, 6-1, 6-2 by Djokovic in the fourth round of the Australian Open.
“The last time we played I was lucky to get games, to the point where I felt almost embarrassed on the court,” de Minaur said.
“It’s been a nice little change-up from one year ago.
“It’s not easy to walk back out on court after you’ve been thrashed last time.”
Wednesday night’s triumph over Djokovic — winner of 24 major singles titles — marked the first time de Minaur has beaten a world number one.
“I’m happy I can say I got a win over the GOAT,” said de Minaur, referring to Djokovic’s status as arguably the men’s game’s “greatest of all time”.
But world number 12 de Minaur said he was staying grounded as he continued preparations for this month’s Australian Open at Melbourne Park.
“Let’s not get too ahead of ourselves,” de Minaur said.
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“The level is there but five sets is a different beast. I’m happy with where my level is, where I am mentally, and the mindset I’ve got going in.”
Australia captain Lleyton Hewitt said the United Cup had been great preparation for de Minaur heading into the season-opening major.
‘To get these kind of matches under his belt before his home grand slam is really important,” Hewitt said.
“It gives him the confidence. He’s been working hard … and it’s nice when it pays off.”
Australia will play either Germany or Greece in the United Cup semifinals.
AAP
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