Wounded Alex de Minaur in doubt for Davis Cup following meek US Open exit in straight sets
- Alex de Minaur could miss Davis Cup matches
- Australia will play qualifying matches from September 10-15
- Lost the quarterfinals of the US Open to Briton Jack Draper
A dejected Alex de Minaur has admitted he has doubts about his eligibility to play in the Davis Cup after being knocked out of the US Open in New York.
Try as he might, De Minaur could not hide his despair after injury ended his Grand Slam dreams once again. He lost his quarter-final 6-3 7-5 6-2 to inspirational Englishman Jack Draper on Wednesday (Thursday AEST).
His range of motion was clearly compromised and Australia’s last hope was wrecked in a sea of forehand errors as the first major tournament semi-final was played at Arthur Ashe Stadium.
A recurring hip injury that had sidelined the world number 10 since Wimbledon ultimately robbed De Minaur of any realistic chance of victory.
“I wish I felt better. Let’s put it this way. It’s tough. It’s a big opportunity. It’s a big opportunity,” de Minaur said.
‘So I’m going to stick to the positive things that I’m proud of.
“Jack is never easy to play, even in the best of circumstances. Plus, he can spread the field so much because he’s left-handed and you can really move around the field. That takes its toll on your body.
‘A build-up of matches also takes its toll. ‘But he played well. He deserves the win. In the few chances I had, I couldn’t execute.’
Alex de Minaur has admitted he has doubts about his participation in the Davis Cup after crashing out of the US Open in New York
In the hunt for a place in the semi-finals, the Australian was defeated in three sets by British star Jack Draper
De Minaur had beaten No. 25 Draper in all three previous meetings but just when he thought he was back to 100 percent, the Sydneysider suffered a disappointing setback on tennis’ biggest stage.
“Everything was going well,” he said.
“But yeah, it’s fine. I dealt with it after Wimbledon. I’m going to deal with it here and I’ll be right back.”
Next week’s Davis Cup qualifying matches in Spain may come too early for the Australian leaders.
“I really don’t know. That’s the honest answer,” said de Minaur when asked if he would be fit for the September 10-15 16-Nations Cup qualifiers in Valencia.
“I guess I’ll just have to wait and see how it goes in a few days.”