Alex de Minaur has acknowledged that his perception of Rafael Nadal shifted after competing against him.
Alex de Minaur disclosed that his respect for tennis icon Rafael Nadal vanishes when they face off in matches. The Australian star, currently participating in the Miami Open, shared insights into competing against Nadal and how encounters with the King of Clay stand out compared to others.
During an appearance on the recent episode of All on the Table, De Minaur reflected on his match with Nadal in the third round of Wimbledon in 2018.
“So much physicality, even on the grass, so I can only imagine on a clay court. You have to lose all the respect you have for him and just play him as another player,” he said, according to Express.
De Minaur recovered from his Wimbledon defeat and has experienced success against the 22-time Grand Slam champion, securing a win over him at the 2023 United Cup.
This victory came on his fourth attempt against the esteemed player, following three previous losses. De Minaur emerged victorious with scores of 3-6, 6-1, 7-5 in Sydney, his home city.
Although Nadal is recognized as one of the all-time tennis greats, De Minaur compares his playing style to that of a current tour competitor. The 25-year-old sees similarities between Nadal and the world No.3, Jannik Sinner, noting that they exhibit comparable traits in their game.
“The comparison now is Sinner. His two-handed backhand is almost like a forehand because he’s getting so much force and rotation on it as well, and that’s the same with Rafa on the other side,” he said.
