Alex De Minaur has always been the ultimate underdog in his pro career - at least that's how he sees it - and he is determined to prove the people who write him off wrong.
Speaking following his majestic performance in dismantling Alejandro Davidovich Fokina 6-1, 6-3 at the 2023 Canadian Open in Toronto, the quick-footed Aussie spoke of his delight in reaching a second successive final in as many weeks and he'll bring the same energy in his next match to try to win his eighth career title.
De Minaur does his best work when the odds are stacked against him. And you get the sense that something similar is happening at the Canadian Open where the 24-year-old will play in his first Masters 1000 final on Sunday against hard-hitting Jannik Sinner.
The World No. 18 captured his biggest ATP title at the 500-level event in Acapulco this year and came to Canada hot on the heels of a runner-up finish in Los Cabos. When he looks back at these results, he takes great pride and a feeling of immense satisfaction for proving his doubters wrong. And a maiden Masters title would be a massive landmark he says.
"It means - yeah, it would be a huge milestone. I mean, this year, being able to get a 500 in Acapulco was big for me. And also looking, you know, to prove a lot of the people wrong. That's probably the biggest thing for me."
"You know, I take a lot of pride in what I do. And, you know, a lot of people don't have a lot of belief in me, but I get a real sense of satisfaction proving people wrong."
De Minaur is a solid 33-17 for the season and will play in his fourth final of the season. Regardless of the outcome against Sinner on Sunday, he is guaranteed a new career-high ranking and will be at the doorstep of breaking the world's Top 10. Looking back, De Minaur says he is taking a step in the right direction.
"I think it's a big boost of confidence in bringing that consistency. That, for me, is the biggest thing. Week after week, showing good level. And, you know, not having one good week and maybe an early exit at the next tournament, which I've probably done a fair bit in my career. So a step in the right direction, and we move on."
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