Alex de Minaur taken aback by question about girlfriend after win over Novak Djokovic
The Aussie tennis star is dating fellow player Katie Boulter.
Alex de Minaur was visibly taken aback after his win over Novak Djokovic at the United Cup when he was asked a very pointed question about girlfriend Katie Boulter. The Aussie star had just produced the biggest win of his career, taking down World No.1 Djokovic in straight sets to help Australia advance to the semi-finals.
But the talk in his post-match press conference switched to his girlfriend - much to the Aussie's surprise. The World No.12 was asked if he was planning on popping the question to Boulter - a fellow tennis player from England.
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"Jeez!" de Minaur exclaimed. "Putting me on the spot here." He then composed himself and said: "Yeah, it's not in the cards just yet [but] not ruling it out. For the time being, I'm going to try to focus on playing tennis...and then we'll think about the off-court activities."
But the reporter wasn't done there. "If you win the Australian Open?" he asked. To his credit, de Minaur took the line of questioning in his stride and saw the funny side of it.
Alex de Minaur and Katie Boulter in awkward clash
He faced off with Boulter when Australia took on Great Britain in their first tie at the United Cup. Boulter and GB got the chocolates on that occasion, but Australia managed to qualify for the finals after wins over USA and Serbia.
The Aussie was asked if he was planning to play in the mixed doubles rubber so he could take on Boulter. Ultimately it was Matt Ebden and Storm Hunter who got the nod, but not before de Minaur appeared to put his foot in it.
"Well, you never know until you sign on the dotted line, come that mixed (doubles)," he said. "I could be an option (for the doubles). I have played mixed in the past with Katie, so I know all her weaknesses!
"I've watched enough of her matches to know the spots to be attacking. If we step out on court, it's just all business."
Aussie veteran John Millman then put the heat on his teammate, saying: "My missus doesn't have any weaknesses. That's pretty brave of you to say that (about Katie). You're in trouble. (You) might be sleeping on the pullout in my room tonight."
Alex de Minaur full of confidence after beating Novak Djokovic
De Minaur became just the third Australian player to beat Djokovic at ATP level, joining Lleyton Hewitt and Nick Kyrgios. His win over the World No.1 came after he also beat 22-time major winner Rafa Nadal at the United Cup last year.
It also snapped a 43-match, six-year winning streak that Djokovic had in Australia. One of those wins was a 6-2 6-1 6-2 demolition of de Minaur in the fourth round of the Australian Open in 2023.
"The last time we played I was lucky to get games - to the point where I felt almost embarrassed on the court," de Minaur reflected. "It's been a nice little change-up from one year ago. It's not easy to walk back out on court after you've been thrashed last time."
Not that the Aussie is getting too cocky. "Let's not get too ahead of ourselves," he said in regards to repeating the feat at the Australian Open.
"The level is there (but) five sets is a different beast. I'm happy with where my level is, where I am mentally, and the mindset I've got going in. I definitely know that I've got a very high top level and I would love to bring it for Melbourne."
with AAP
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