At Rolex Monte-Carlo Masters, 14seeded Alex de Minaur passed former world No. 1 Andy Murray 6-1, 6-3 advance to the second round.
This is the Australian’s first appearance ATP masters 1000 win of the year after losing the opening rounds at Indian Wells and Miami.
The 35-year-old Briton, three-time semi-finalist, performed for the first time since then in Monte-Carlo 2017. This is 10played this event once. Only Monte Carlo ATP masters 1000 an event where he has yet to reach the finals.
De Minaura who is 24now leads them head to head 3-0.
On the famous red clay center court with a spectacular view of the Mediterranean Sea, de Minaur, known as one of the fastest guys on the course, took off quickly, hitting 4– lead love.
He looked sharp, playing with patience, not hesitating when given the chance. He finished the points at the net. He shoved Murray back before dropping a beautiful dropshot.
Murray looked bad with his timing, as if he hadn’t yet found his rhythm on clay. He made too many unforced errors. Murray stopped the service 1-4but de Minaur broke to take the set.
Early in the second set, Murray’s soft hands hit the great winner of a short running backhand cross, one of his favourites. things around.
But then Murray missed one forehand wide, the other into the net, giving de Minaur a break.
The Aussie looked completely composed, always ready and positive, while the Brit looked frustrated, shaking his head and complaining about himself and his team.
In the game, de Minaur was just more solid 12 winners and only 13 unforced errors while Murray had nine winners and 29 unforced errors.
Then in an interview with Tennis TV, the Australian said: “I’m very happy, especially since it’s my first match on clay. It was never easy, but I was very happy with the way I started the match.
“And almost finished the game. Honestly, I had a little hiccup at the end when it got a little tight.
“And you know you have great respect for someone like Andy.
“So it’s always difficult to end a game like that, but I’m very happy with the win and I’m happy to start the season on clay.
Next up for de Minaur is strong qualifier Jan-Lennard Struff from Germany.
