De Minaur extends dream run by reaching Sydney final

Australian tennis fans have a new hero, with teenager Alex de Minaur backing up his run in Brisbane by reaching a maiden final in Sydney.

Published : Jan 12, 2018 19:33 IST

Alex de Minaur attributed his comeback win to the crowd support.
Alex de Minaur attributed his comeback win to the crowd support.
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Alex de Minaur attributed his comeback win to the crowd support.

Alex de Minaur's sensational form continued as the Australian teenager delighted fans at the Sydney International by reaching his first ATP World Tour final.

De Minaur, a semi-finalist in Brisbane last week, came from a set down to beat Benoit Paire 4-6 6-1 6-1.

He is now one win away from emulating Lleyton Hewitt, who won the Sydney title as an 18-year-old in 2000. Hewitt was in the crowd on Friday as De Minaur earned a place in the final against Daniil Medvedev.

Read: Del Potro wears down Ferrer to reach Auckland Open final

In an on-court interview, the world number 167 said: "Thanks to this amazing crowd. They honestly got me through this match. I was a set down with not a lot of belief in me and this crowd just picked me up, picked my intensity up and got me over the line.

"I just tried to be tough, tried to find a way to keep making balls. I tried to make the most out of this occasion and I'm glad I came out with a win.

"It's incredible. I can't wait to get back out here tomorrow [in Saturday's final] and give it my all. It's gonna be fun."

Medvedev also came from a set down to defeat Fabio Fognini in the other semi-final. Fognini was 3-1 up in set two after winning the opener, but fell away badly thereafter, winning just two more games.

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