Alex de Minaur Shares Injury Update After Advancing to Shanghai Masters Quarterfinals
Alex de Minaur has secured his spot in the quarterfinals of the Shanghai Masters, marking his 10th appearance at this stage in an ATP Masters 1000 event. He defeated Karen Khachanov with a 6-3, 6-4 win in the round of 16.
Currently aiming for a place at the ATP Finals in Turin next month, De Minaur will face the winner between Alexander Zverev and Alexander Bublik in the next round.
Injury Update Following China Open Retirement
De Minaur entered the Shanghai Masters shortly after retiring injured in the China Open final against Novak Djokovic. At that match, he was behind 6-7(3-7), 1-0 before withdrawing due to a groin injury.
Speaking to reporters in Shanghai, De Minaur commented on his recovery and mobility:
"Yeah, it’s been feeling better and better every single day. It’s been seven to eight days since that match, and there’s been a lot of focus on the recovery aspect of it. I’ve been doing everything in my power to feel better each and every day. Today was by far the best day. I had to complement that with some great tennis and great serving and some smart kind of tactics. All in all, I thought it was a very clean match, which I’m very happy with."
Strong Tactical Play Against Khachanov
Reflecting on his performance, especially his down-the-line backhand winners, De Minaur added:
"In the first set I hit a big one to break. Then there were a couple big ones throughout the match where I just backed myself, and I’m glad that I did that because if I let him dictate, he’s so dangerous. It was kind of up to me to try and do my best to be the first one to get him moving, and then play the point out from there."
Upcoming Challenge: Zverev or Bublik
With little time to enjoy his latest victory, De Minaur prepares for a tough opponent next. Previewing both possible rivals, he said:
"Well, Zverev, number one player in the world. He has played incredible this whole year, immense amount of confidence, the most in-form player, for sure. Bublik, he’s got the ability to beat anyone on any given day. I’m excited to watch that match and see what happens."
- Head-to-head records:
- De Minaur vs Zverev: 4-8
- De Minaur vs Bublik: 4-2
The Australian, who beat qualifier Rei Sakamoto in his opening match, could face one of Arthur Gea, Jakub Mensik, Hubert Hurkacz, or Alejandro Davidovich Fokina in the semifinals. Potential opponents in the final might include Casper Ruud, Felix Auger-Aliassime, or Daniil Medvedev.
