Alex de Minaur’s moment of honesty at Australian Open speaks volumes about him
Share:
Alex de Minaur has garnered applause for his conduct during his Australian Open clash with Dutch ace Botic van de Zandschulp. De Minaur won the tie 6-1, 7-5, 6-4 against the world no. 22 in his opening round match as he aims to seize his first-ever Grand Slam on native turf. However, it was a moment in the second set that really put his sportsmanship in the spotlight.
Leading at 6-5 and serving, the 25-year-old noticed an unused ball amongst those in play, which could have handed him the edge of a quicker serve. Recognising this possible benefit, De Minaur honourably informed both the umpire and his opponent about his inadvertent advantage.
Though he had every right to use the fresh ball while serving for the set, the world no. 8 chose not to, inkeeping with fair play, reports the Express. Aussie doubles legend Todd Woodbridge then lauded him for his remarkable honesty on Channel Nine. "Alex showing some incredible sportsmanship there," Woodbridge said. "He didn't really have to tell Botic there was a brand new ball in there. If he takes that and serves, it's going to come off faster.".
The display by De Minaur's didn't end there, as his candour made another appearance in the third set. With the score at 1-1 and Van de Zandschulp serving at deuce, De Minaur lobbed the ball over the Dutchman three shots into the rally. Van de Zandschulp then had to back-pedal with pace, but still managed to whip out a stunning 'tweener' - the name used when a player strikes the ball through their legs. It's usually executed with their back to their rival, leaving De Minaur no choice but to acknowledge the show-stopper with a racket clap.
