Australia’s Alex de Minaur is set to rise to No. 6 in the ATP rankings this week, despite being edged out by Carlos Alcaraz.
The 26-year-old Australian will move ahead of Novak Djokovic and Daniil Medvedev, achieving his equal career-high ranking after competing in the Rotterdam final for the second year in a row.
Previously, de Minaur held the No. 6 spot briefly after last year’s Wimbledon.
Alcaraz claimed his first indoor title with a victory over de Minaur in the Rotterdam Open final on Monday.
The top seed, Alcaraz, triumphed with a scoreline of 6-4, 3-6, 6-2, becoming the first Spanish player to win this tournament in its 52-year history.
Alex de Minaur was the runner-up to Carlos Alcaraz in Rotterdam. AP
This marks Alcaraz’s 17th title, although it is his first one indoors.
“This week has been fantastic,” Alcaraz commented.
“I put in a lot of hard work. While I wasn’t feeling 100 per cent due to a cold, I felt myself improving every day.”
“This was my first time playing here, and you (fans) made me feel like I’ve been part of this tournament for years.”
De Minaur was the finalist against Jannik Sinner in the previous year’s Rotterdam event.
“We’re striving for greater achievements,” de Minaur remarked.
“It’s been two years with this runner-up trophy, and I look forward to one day holding the winner’s trophy.”
“It’s been a week I’m very proud of, especially considering my condition off the court.”
“I’ve definitely faced challenges, so I’m pleased with my effort and the level I achieved. I felt I had some opportunities today and could perhaps have done more at certain moments, but he played exceptionally well when it mattered and deserved the victory.”
– with Simon Brunsdon
Compiled by SportArena.com.au.
Fanpage: SportArena.com.au.
LiveScore – Live Sports Results & Odds.
