De Minaur beats Evans, returns to top 10 in Live Rankings
The Aussie has reached week two of all four majors this year
September 01, 2024
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Alex de Minaur defeated Dan Evans in four sets to reach the fourth round of the US Open.
By ATP staff
Alex de Minaur returned to the Top 10 of the PIF ATP Live Rankings on Saturday night after defeating an ailing Daniel Evans 6-3, 6-7 (4), 6-0, 6-0 to advance to the second week of the US Open for the fourth time in his work.
The Australian No. 1 also became the first player from his country to reach the fourth round of all majors in the same season since Lleyton Hewitt 20 years ago. He joins fellow countrymen Alexei Popyrin and Jordan Thompson, who will face them next, in week two.
“I’m very proud of what I’ve been able to achieve this year,” said De Minaur. “It was hard to come back from the injury, but I’m very happy to be back here in New York playing these kinds of games. . Let’s continue.”
Evans entered the match with a 3-0 lead in his Lexus ATP Head2Head series over the Australian and appeared to be digging the dogfight after winning the second tiebreak to level the match.
But De Minaur’s plan to make it a physical game proved true in the third, when Evans began to suffer from a physical illness, which required physical therapy. In the first round Evans survived a five hour 35 minute match – the longest match in US Open history – in her stunning victory over Karen Khachanov.
Despite not being able to compete at his best in the final two sets, Evans showed character by refusing to bow out in retirement.
“We have to show a lot of respect to Dan. He is a great competitor,” said De Minaur. “He could have easily pulled out; the body was obviously not well. But he stayed out and tried his best and I really appreciate it.
“He’s been better than me many times, so I’m happy to get one on board.”
In a 94-way match, De Minaur found more success on the field, winning 34 of 44 ways. He was sharp when Evans approached, nailing many shots during his 56-game winning streak.
Playing his first tournament since Wimbledon, when a hip injury forced him to withdraw before the quarter-final with Novak Djokovic, De Minaur strengthened his eighth-place finish in the PIF ATP Race to Turin, boosting his hopes of playing for the first time. Nitto ATP Finals. But he is more focused on the Australian team’s good run and his upcoming match with Thompson, who holds his Lexus ATP Head2Head record at 4-1.
“It’s great for Australian tennis to show what we can do,” De Minaur said. “Alexei put on a show last night to beat Novak. Jordan is playing amazing tennis. It’s a shame we have to play each other. I have to say we’re all from Sydney, so there’s something special over there.”
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