De Minaur expects to pick up the pace in Dubai

Alex de MInaur is bracing for life in the fast lane as he begins the ATP Dubai event with a match against former Grand Slam champion Marin Cilic.

The Australian who reached the quarter-finals last week in Doha and lost to Andrey Rublev said court changes will be a factor when play begins on Monday in the emirate.”It’s very different conditions coming from Doha here – obviously it’s a lot
warmer here,” the world No. 8 said. “Conditions are a lot quicker, I would say.

“It’s going to take a little bit getting used to them. I’m looking forward to a very tough first-round match against a veteran player with a lot of experience who

is very dangerous, especially on these types of courts.”

He added: “I’m expecting a battle and I have to make sure I bring my best level and compete from the first point to the last.”

De Minaur takes the second seeding at the Aviation Club behind Daniil Medvedev, who rushed off court as he quit his Doha quarter-final against Felix Auger-Aliassime without even shaking hands in a rush to reach the toilet.  

The No. 6 will presumably be back to fitness after his bout of gastro illness.

De Minaur, an Australian Open quarter-final victim of champion Jannik Sinner. last played Dubai in 2022 and has yet to win a match after two appearances.

“The way I finished the year and everything that happened just gave me a lot of hunger and motivation to pursue the grind, keep working hard, keep trying toimprove on the little things that I can. 

“Ultimately I was very happy with what I achieved (titles in Mexico and the Netherlands), but I still believe I’ve got more in the tank. Ultimately I just want to fulfill that.”