De Minaur wins Libema Open, hits career-high world ranking

Australia’s Alex de Minaur has begun his grass-court tennis season with a bang, winning his ninth career title in the Netherlands on Monday morning (AEST).

The 25-year-old now moves to a career-high of No.7 in the world after defeating Sebastian Korda 6-4, 6-2 in the final of the Libema Open.

His grass-court success comes off the back of a strong clay season and positions de Minaur strongly for an outside run at the Wimbledon title in a fortnight’s time.

De Minaur eases past Korda with brilliant returning

The manner of de Minaur’s victory in the Libema Open final was impressive. The Aussie won 77% of his own first-serve points while claiming 45% of first-serve returns and 64% of second-serve returns.

In essence, de Minaur out-hit someone with far more natural power. His backhand was sound all game, as was his wily dropshot and brilliant defence.

De Minaur managed to create 14 break points, converting five for a straightforward victory in just over an hour and a half.

De Minaur in the dog box despite title win

De Minaur may well have just cracked a new career-high, but the man is in trouble off the tennis court.

For the second time this year, de Minaur’s girlfriend — Katie Boulter — won a title on the same day as he did. This time, however, he was unable to watch her do so.

“My boyfriend didn’t make the trip even though I thought he might after his win in ‘s-Hertogenbosch,” said Boulter after her victory in Nottingham.

“We will have to be talking about that tonight and see if we’re still going to be together. I hope he’s listening to this because we’ve got some talking to do.”

Perhaps de Minaur can make it up to Boulter by winning Wimbledon this year instead. The Aussie continues to improve his odds at the year’s third Grand Slam.

Tennis bookmakers now have the 25-year-old as a $21 chance to win the tournament, equal sixth in the outright betting odds.

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