Alex De Minaur taunted fans at the Miami Open after overcoming a hostile atmosphere to beat Joao Fonseca. In an enthralling clash that lasted two-and-a-half hours, the Australian came through 5-7 7-5 6-3 despite being a break of serve down in the decider. It meant disappointment for the partisan crowd at Stadium Court, who had vociferously backed the 18-year-old Brazilian.
De Minaur was even booed at times but appeared to relish playing the pantomime villain as his superior endurance proved crucial. Afterwards, the 26-year-old cheekily appeared to be trying to wind up his detractors by using a permanent marker to write ‘Rio Open :)’ on a court-side camera. However, De Minaur later claimed his behaviour actually signified his appreciation of the crowd noise.
In his post-match press conference, the 26-year-old insisted he relished the atmosphere and had no reservations about Fonseca being the crowd favourite.
“I’m not gonna get too many chances to play in an atmosphere like this one,” he said. “It was a lot of fun. You can go out there, you can complain, you can get rattled, do a lot of different things, but that’s not going to help you win the tennis match.”
He reiterated those words on social media, dismissing suggestions he had been disrespected by the Miami natives. Posting on X, he said: “Only spreading love out here!!!
“Possibly the loudest atmosphere I’ve ever played in, and I enjoyed the battle,” he wrote. “Just out here giving props to the amazing support Joao has here in Miami. Goodnight everyone.”
De Minaur will now face Matteo Berrettini in his quarter-final. However, he also reserved praise for his beaten opponent, who enjoyed another impressive tournament after beating 19th seed Ugo Humbert in the second round.
“Not only is he an incredibly talented, dangerous, explosive player, but he’s playing with so much confidence at the moment and the crowd behind him,” said De Minaur. “I knew I was going to be up against it and it was going to take every single ounce of me.”
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