De Minaur stops Tsitsipas to face Hewitt, Jr

Alex de Minaur began repairing his harsh 1-12 career record against Stefanos Tsitsipas, with the Australian’s 6-4, 3-6, 6-3 in an ATP Washington opening match marking only his second win in the lop-sided series.

Tournament no. 1 de Minaur will now face off against 17-year-old Cruz Hewitt, who won his first ATP main draw match here this week over Marcos Giron. Lleyton Hewitt, coaching his son, was watching in the player box.

Former world No. 3 Tsitsipas, now climbing out of a slump and standing 51st, came to the North American hardcourts after winning the Gstaad clay title in the Swiss Alps this month.

It was the Greek’s first trophy in nearly 18 months.

Washington defending champion De Minaur’s match was his first since marriage in Britain to WTA player Katie Boulter only days ago.

“Coming in, I really didn’t have too many expectations. It was a quick turnaround,” De Minaur said.

“I’m glad that I was able to find a way in a tricky match. It wasn’t pretty tennis, but I did just enough to get over the line and I’m happy with that.”

The Aussie added: “Stefanos has been an incredible player for a very long time. He’s able to really hold that inside-out forehand really well.

“I didn’t serve the best when I played him. Today I changed it up a little bit and it ended up working out for me.”

Main photo:- Alex de Minaur and Katie Boulter on their wedding day © vogue.com