De Minaur’s Historic Serving Week In Atlanta

#NextGenATP Aussie Alex de Minaur is known for his blazing speed. But he made history with his serve at last year’s Truist Atlanta Open.

Then 20, he lost a mere seven first-serve points throughout the week (116/123) to become the youngest winner in tournament history. De Minaur didn’t face a break point in his four matches and held in all 42 service games, becoming only the third player since stats started being kept in 1991 to win a tournament without facing a break point (Haas 2007 Memphis, Isner 2017 Newport).

“This one is really special to me,” De Minaur said. “I felt like I really needed this. To start the year with a bang and then be slowed down by injuries… you expect your level to be right there once you come back, but you have to slowly grind your way back.”

De Minaur arrived at the ATP 250 trying to win consecutive matches for the first time since February, when he won a Davis Cup match and then earned a victory in his first match at the Abierto Mexicano Telcel presentado por HSBC in Acapulco. A groin injury had hampered the rising star.

But before going on his impressive run in Atlanta, De Minaur already had a positive mindset.

“I feel like I’m doing all the right things, putting myself out there. If it doesn’t happen this week, next week or the week after, I’m going to keep doing the same things,” De Minaur said at the start of the week. “I’m going to do all the right things, be mentally strong, physically strong and I’m playing good tennis, so I think it’s just a matter of time.”

De Minaur lost no more than two first-serve points in any of his four matches, defeating Bradley Klahn, Bernard Tomic, Reilly Opelka and Taylor Fritz to lift the trophy. In a 6-3, 7-6(2), victory against Fritz in the final, he only dropped 10 service points.

“I don’t think I could start the American hard-court season any better than this,” said De Minaur. “I’m happy with where I am and enjoying every day. I can’t wait to get back on court and keep improving.”