The admirable efforts of Alex de Minaur during Australia’s Davis Cup clash with Germany have come with consequences.
Kicking off the tie on Friday, the 18-year-old was edged out in a five-set epic by world No.5 Alexander Zverev. De Minaur was up a break in the final set, but was unable to tame the fighting spirit of Zverev. Two days on from that match, it has been revealed that he suffered an abdominal tear during the encounter.
Australian captain Lleyton Hewitt confirmed to reporters on Sunday that De Minaur has torn a muscle in his abdomen without elaborating further. Earlier this year concerns were raised that he was dealing with a stomach injury during the Australian Open, where he lost in the first round to Tomas Berdych.
The world No.139 finds himself in the media spotlight following his successful start to the year. Reaching the semi-final of the Brisbane International followed by the final of the Sydney International. De Minaur has already scored five wins over top 50 players this year, including Milos Raonic.
Tennis Australia’s performance director, Wally Masur, believes the appeal of the rising star extends beyond his home country.
“He has decisions to make. Does he play qualifying in the (United) States or back himself to win a couple of matches in qualifying at ATP level,’’ Masur said.
“Other tournament directors will know he is a good story and he might get a wildcard outside Australia.”
Masur’s comments are ones endorsed by Zverev. Following his clash with the teenager on Friday, the German predicted him to rise further up the rankings. De Minaur has set a goal of breaking into the top 100 during 2018.
“Alex is playing unbelievable tennis and Australia has a very good one in him,’’ Zverev said.
“He’s going to be up the rankings very soon if he keeps going like that.
“Alex took everything he could out of this match. I kept fighting when I was a break of serve down in the fifth set. I’m playing for my country.’’
Mentored by Spanish coach Adolfo Gutierrez, it is expected that De Minaur will next play a couple more Challenger tournaments before returning to the ATP Tour.
