[14] Borna Coric (CRO) vs. [31] Alex de Minaur (AUS)
It was the first meeting between the relative newcomer, de Minaur, and the somewhat established veteran, Coric. A veteran player never likes to lose to a younger player and most feel that pressure when they step on court to play them for the first time. Their pride as the veteran player is at stake, and along with that pride comes the added pressure they place on themselves to prevent the younger player from winning.
De Minaur Came Out On Fire
Everyone knows of de Minaur and what he has accomplished since he turned professional in 2015; so, the Croat knew he was in for a battle. Unfortunately for Coric, he started the match telegraphing his tension when he squandered a 40-0 lead and was broken in his first service game. The set did not get any better for him as he was broken a second time to lose the first set 6-2.
Coric Fights Back To Win Set Two
Lingering disappointment and frustration carried over into the second set and again he was broken in his first service game. Yet, this time, the Croat was better prepared to fight back and that he did. It was not going to be a straight sets victory for de Minaur. Although the Australian broke a second time and could have made life a lot easier if he had held on to that lead, Coric was not willing to surrender without a fight.
One Break Was All It Took
It came down to the decider and one break was all de Minaur needed to secure his place in the semifinal. Coric never got an opportunity to even the set as the Australian took much better care of his serve in the third set. The tension returned to the Croat’s game in the latter stages of the match and this time there was no chance to recover. His fight back in the second set was to no avail as he came out on the losing end. The Aussie won 6-2, 4-6, 6-4 and he will face the second seed, Roberto Bautista Agut, for a chance to get to his third final of the season.
SOURCE OF IMAGES: Zimbio.com (Getty Images North America: Alex de Minaur)
