According to the provided sources, Alex de Minaur crashed out of the US Open second round in New York on Thursday (Friday AEST), suffering a straight-sets loss to Botic van de Zandschulp that extinguished his best opportunity yet to claim a maiden grand slam crown. Australia’s world No 7 dropped serve five times and broke his 70th-ranked opponent only once in a 6-4 7-5 6-2 defeat on The Grandstand, bringing his tournament to a abrupt halt after two hours and 43 minutes of play.
De Minaur Cites Unforced Errors After Straight-Sets Loss
During the match, the sixth seed racked up 30 unforced errors against just 23 winners. According to the source material, the Australian had previously beaten van de Zandschulp in all four of their previous meetings before this 6-4 7-5 6-2 defeat.
“My level today wasn’t good enough. It’s pretty straightforward,” de Minaur stated, as reported in the sources. He added that despite maintaining a competitive mindset and a good attitude, the feel of the ball on his strings was absent throughout the contest. “I can’t really explain the reasoning of it, but just it felt like the more I tried, the more intensity, the more fired up I was getting, I just kept on making unforced errors.”
Missed Opportunity in a Depleted US Open Draw
Furthermore, world No 1 Jannik Sinner was absent due to a knee injury, while defending champion Carlos Alcaraz was playing his first tournament in four months.
Despite blowing this opening, de Minaur reflected pragmatically on the result, contrasting it with his disconsolate reaction following his Wimbledon quarter-final loss to Flavio Cobolli in July. “Everyone loses matches. Everyone is losing matches that maybe they would love to have back,” he said.
Dane Sweeny Emerges as Australia’s Last Man Standing
According to the primary source, de Minaur’s departure leaves world No 123 wildcard Dane Sweeny as Australia’s final player remaining in the tournament. Sweeny advanced to the last 32 of a grand slam for the first time by defeating Italy’s Lorenzo Musetti 3-6, 6-1, 6-2, 6-2.
Measuring 5ft 5in (170cm) tall, Sweeny ran the 14th seed ragged, prompting a medical time-out from the Italian during the third set. Sweeny will face 21st seed Luciano Darderi on Saturday (Sunday AEST) with a guaranteed minimum payday of $US290,000 ($A402,750), while rising to a career-best ranking of at least No 115 in the world.
Did you know? Dane Sweeny reached the third round of a grand slam for the first time in his career after taking down dual grand slam semi-finalist Lorenzo Musetti in a four-set boilover at Flushing Meadows.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who defeated Alex de Minaur at the US Open?
Botic van de Zandschulp defeated Alex de Minaur in straight sets, 6-4, 7-5, 6-2, during the second round.
Which Australian player remains in the US Open draw?
Wildcard Dane Sweeny is the last remaining Australian player in the tournament after reaching the third round.
Who is Dane Sweeny scheduled to play next?
Sweeny will face 21st seed Luciano Darderi for a spot in the last 16.
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