Within the first spherical of the ABN AMRO Open in Rotterdam, Australian Alex de Minaur defeated American Sebastian Korda 6-4, 6-3 in a single hour and 21 minutes.
De Minaur, age 24, is world No. 11. He’s a two-time Subsequent Gen ATP Finals runner-up. He achieved his profession excessive of world No. 10 in January 2024 after defeating world No. 1 Djokovic on the 2024 United Cup for the largest win of his profession to steer Group Australia to the semifinals.
Korda, age 23, is world No. 33. He achieved his profession excessive of world No. 23 in October 2023 after reaching his first ATP Masters 1000 semifinal at Shanghai, the place he earned his greatest win of his profession over world No. 3 Medvedev.
The 2 had performed twice earlier than in shut matches, with Korda successful at Wimbledon in 2021 and de Minaur successful on the ATP Masters in Paris in 2022.
Korda has a fluid recreation with a chic backhand, and he was able to successful the match along with his massive serve and his capability to complete factors on the internet. However he had too many unforced errors, particularly on the forehand aspect.
De Minaur dominated the baseline exchanges and showcased his unimaginable velocity.
Within the first set, they stayed on serve till the tenth recreation, when de Minaur was in a position to break with Korda lacking a backhand dropshot after which crusing a forehand lengthy.
Within the second set, de Minaur broke within the sixth recreation at 15, when Korda netted a forehand. The Australian held with a powerful backhand volley after an extended rally after which a implausible forehand volley to the open court docket.
At this level, Korda appeared nearly resigned to his destiny, whereas de Minaur was constructive, upbeat.
Korda had higher physique language within the subsequent recreation, holding at 15, with scintillating serving.
Within the last recreation, de Minaur had three match factors and was in a position to win on the third with a beautiful serve down the T.
De Minaur received 87% of first serve factors, with 5 aces. He had just one double fault. He struck 14 winners and 12 unforced errors.
Korda received 73% of first serve factors, with 11 aces. He additionally had just one double fault. He struck 18 winners and 30 unforced errors.
In his on-court interview after the match, de Minaur stated: “Yeah, I felt nice. It’s nice to be again right here in Rotterdam, a spot the place I’ve performed some nice tennis. The group is all the time nice. And I’m blissful to be again and win my first spherical.”
Subsequent up for de Minaur is the proficient veteran David Goffin.