Alex de Minaur admits he’s “disappointed” after his serve “went walkabout” and ultimately cost him the chance to play a fifth set against 24-time grand slam champion Novak Djokovic at Wimbledon.
The Aussie world No.11 dominated the first set of their fourth-round match and took it 6-1, before the Serbian icon systematically broke him down to win in four sets.
De Minaur got himself 19 break points for the match to Djokovic’s 13, but he wasn’t able to win as many as his opponent.
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“I think that was probably the biggest difference, his serve,” De Minaur told Stan Sport following the match.
“We are both great returners but he managed to get a couple more free points on his serve, and in those big moments he was able to rely on that serve.
“My serve went a bit walkabout when I most needed it in those big moments. These matches are tiny, tiny percentages and difference makers, and it can make the whole dynamic of the match.
Alex de Minaur plays a forehand. Mike Hewitt via Getty Images
“I’ve got to get a bit better at that.
“A tough loss against a great opponent. But I had my chances.
“I really feel like this match should have gone to a fifth set. I wasn’t able to hold onto the lead in the fourth and give myself a crack at playing a fifth set against him.
“Overall a little bit disappointed it ended that way, but he is a pretty good player, so there’s lots of positives.”
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De Minaur looked like making a big run at Wimbledon last year when he set up a quarter-final clash with Djokovic.
But the Aussie was forced to hand the Serb a walkover when his body broke down.
This year the pair met in the round of 16.
De Minaur admits he was hoping to go further in the tournament.
“It’s not the campaign I would have loved to have, I hoped for a little bit more,” he said.
“I know I put myself in a tough position by not being a top-eight seed here. Playing Novak in the fourth round wasn’t an ideal draw.
“There was some good tennis. Would have loved to go a bit further… you’ve got to move on, there’s a long year ahead.”
De Minaur has slipped outside the top 10 in the world rankings but will be considered a strong chance to make a deep run at the US Open next month.
He reached the quarter finals at Flushing Meadows last year before being upset by Jack Draper in straight sets.
He says he now plans to take a “rest” before preparing for the hard-court season.
