Alex De Minaur has showcased his easy-going personality, sending a humourous message the way of Jannik Sinner after the two fought for the Rotterdam Open title yesterday.
Although the former’s run had been mightily impressive, he came undone at the final hurdle, with the Italian brushing aside the world number nine in straight sets, 7-5, 6-4.
It marked a continuation of Sinner’s imperious form, which saw him claim the Australian Open title last month, his first ever Grand Slam, and now this latest tournament.
The 22-year-old is enjoying an unprecedented unbeaten run which is now spanning 12 matches in 2024.
But what did De Minaur have to say to Sinner following their match? We take a closer look…
What Alex De Minaur said to Jannik Sinner
As someone always willing to have a joke, in classic Australian fashion, De Minaur was quick to poke fun at recording yet another loss to the youngster.
In fact, the two have now faced off seven times, with Sinner winning every single encounter.
Clearly something which he was well aware of, the 2020 US Open quarter-finalist would pen a hilarious four-word message on Instagram after the match, simply writing ‘I don’t like you’ with a laughing emoji attached.
At least he can laugh in the face of defeat.
A career-high ranking for De Minaur
Although to lose a final is never nice, the 25-year-old can take great heart from his impressive run in Rotterdam.
Not only did he brush aside the likes of Andrey Rublev and Grigor Dimitrov on his way there, but for his troubles he has also been catapulted up to ninth on the ATP rankings, a new career high.
It is no less than what he deserves either, with the affable Australian having shot to stardom of late with his electric play style and positive demeanour.
He radiates happiness, and his ability to laugh in the face of such a frustrating defeat is only testament to the personality that is winning over more and more fans with each passing tournament.
Now, the real test is regarding retaining his newfound spot within the top ten, and he will seek to add to his points as the third seed of the Los Cabos Open. He already outlined the ‘big key‘ that has helped revolutionise his game only last week.
He is set to contend with the likes of Stefanos Tsitsipas, Casper Ruud and Alexander Zverev, as well as Great Britain’s Jack Draper.
However, should he retain his fine form, there are not many players on tour who would want to face him at the moment.
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