For the second week in a row, Alex de Minor has the same task – to be the main test of Rafael Nadal’s readiness to play tennis again. Last week in Barcelona, he proved to him in practice that he is only a shadow of the former king of clay, and he will have the same task today in Madrid. Due to his style of play – a lot of switching and running in every point – the Australian is among the toughest possible rivals for Nadal, who is not only not ready, but also not sure how healthy he is.
However, Demon, as the countrymen call the eleventh tennis player in the world, does not expect another easy job. On the contrary.
– I expect a completely different game. I expect that they will play more aggressively and that the match will be much more complicated. My plan is to compete even better than last time, but I will play as if it were any match – he points out for the Spanish “Ace” that he does not want to be burdened by the pressure of whoever he is playing against.
He is aware that, due to his playing style, he is perhaps the toughest possible opponent for the much slower Nadal, who is not at his former physical level.
– It is incredible that we play twice in two weeks. Before the draw I thought, what is the probability of playing against Rafa again, after only a week. And here we are again against each other. Another amazing experience, Madrid is like his second home.
De Minor also defeated Novak Djokovic in January. If he beats Nadal today, he will join the group of very rare tennis players who have defeated the two most successful players in history three times in the same season, and not even half of it has passed.
– Even when they play badly, even when they are injured, they can always play great tennis. They always have the respect of all tennis players. If you play against them, you have to be ready for every ball, from the first to the last.
He is ready to take advantage of the opportunity that is presented due to the fact that Djokovic and Nadal have reached an age that affects their game and results.
– I see it as an opportunity to open a door that has been closed for a long time. I see the possibility of playing against the best and winning the biggest trophies. I want to be part of the next generation – emphasizes the 25-year-old ace.
Although his parents are from the Spanish-speaking part of the world, he chose Australia and has no regrets.
– My mother is from Madrid, I spent half my life in Alicante, but I was born in Sydney and I feel like an Australian – he explains. His father is from Uruguay. – My entire coaching staff is Spanish, I love coming here, I feel at home, but I don’t regret choosing the Australian flag. I am very satisfied with such a choice.
The duel between Nadal and De Minoro starts today around 4 pm. You can watch this match, like the others from Madrid, on Sportklub channels.
