Why an Aussie tennis great believes Alex de Minaur can go deep at the French Open – ‘his mindset is as good as anybody’
- Todd Woodbridge has an idea of Alex de Minaur’s French Open chances
- The number 11 in the world will play against American teenager Alex Michelsen in the first round
- Woodbridge stated that this year’s Grand Slam in Paris is ‘wide open’
Australian tennis great Todd Woodbridge believes Alex de Minaur can go deep into the second week of the French Open, which starts in Paris on Sunday evening AEST.
The 11th seed De Minaur, 25, has never advanced beyond the second round at Roland Garros but will fancy his chances against American teenager Alex Michelsen in the first round.
With world number one Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal – the ‘king of clay’ under an injury cloud, Woodbridge believes we may see a new Grand Slam champion in 2024.
Spanish star Nadal has won the tournament no fewer than fourteen times in his distinguished career.
The unseeded veteran, 37, faces fourth seed Alexander Zverev in a tough first-round match.
Australian tennis great Todd Woodbridge believes Alex de Minaur can find his way deep into the second week at Roland Garros
The Aussie is ranked 11th at the French Open but has never reached the third round before
“Never in men’s tennis in the last 15 to 20 years has this tournament been so wide open,” Woodbridge said. The age.
“If you look at it in that sense, if you get the right draw, Alex can do well.
‘We’ve seen people like Pat Rafter reach a semi-final before, so it’s possible, but you need a bit of luck.
‘It’s not Alex’s favourite [surface]but his mentality is as good as anyone’s.”
Other Aussies tipped to advance to at least the second round include Chris O’Connell and Max Purcell, both of whom achieved draws.
Elsewhere, Alexei Popyrin will take on compatriot Thanasi Kokkinakis, while Daria Saville and wildcard recipient Ajla Tomljanovic will raise the flag in the women’s singles.
Total prize money at the French Open has risen to almost $90 million, with the men’s and women’s singles champions receiving a whopping $3.93 million each.