Importance Score: 40 / 100 🔵
De Minaur Dominates Dimitrov with “Double Bagel” to Reach Monte Carlo Semi-Final
In a stunning display of dominance at the Monte Carlo Masters, Australian tennis star Alex de Minaur dismantled Grigor Dimitrov, securing a decisive 6-0, 6-0 victory. This “double bagel” triumph propelled de Minaur into the semi-finals of the prestigious clay-court tournament and marked a career first for the world number 10.
Swift and Decisive Victory
De Minaur exhibited relentless aggression and precision on Court Rainier III, overpowering the experienced Bulgarian player in a mere 44 minutes. Dimitrov, the world No. 18, struggled to find any rhythm against the in-form Australian, enduring one of the most lopsided defeats of his career at the Monte Carlo Country Club.
Statement on Clay
This commanding performance signifies a major statement from the 26-year-old de Minaur, who reached his third career semi-final on clay. The Australian has demonstrably improved his prowess on the surface, overcoming previous challenges and establishing himself as a contender on the red dirt.
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First “Double Bagel” Milestone
When asked about achieving his first professional “double bagel,” de Minaur acknowledged the rare feat with a smile, recalling his own similar defeat in his junior career. This victory underscores his current form and confidence at the Monte Carlo Masters.
Dominance from the Outset
Despite anticipating a challenging contest against Dimitrov, de Minaur seized control early, rapidly eroding the 33-year-old’s confidence. Maintaining relentless pressure, the Australian capitalized on Dimitrov’s mounting unforced errors, ultimately totaling 23.
Relentless Pressure Pays Off
After clinching the first set 6-0 in just 23 minutes – a set in which Dimitrov failed to win a single game for the first time in nine years – de Minaur continued his momentum. A remarkable backhand lob secured an immediate break in the second set, further tightening his grip on the match.
Historical Significance for Australian Tennis
Growing in strength and aggression as the match progressed, de Minaur conceded only 15 of 63 points. This dominant display made him the first Australian player to reach the Monte Carlo semi-finals since John Alexander in 1979, marking a significant moment for Australian tennis at this historic tournament in the Principality.
Masters 1000 Clay Court Achievement
De Minaur’s semi-final appearance is also the first for an Australian at a Masters 1000 event on clay since Lleyton Hewitt in Hamburg in 2007. His victory in Monte Carlo also marks his tour-leading 20th win of the season.
Semi-Final Showdown Awaits
In the semi-finals, Alex de Minaur is set to face a formidable opponent, either Stefanos Tsitsipas or Lorenzo Musetti, promising a compelling clash for a place in the Monte Carlo Masters final.
Popyrin’s Run Ends
Earlier in the day, Australian hopes for two semi-finalists were dashed on the same court as Alexei Popyrin’s strong tournament run concluded. Popyrin was defeated 6-3, 6-2 by Spain’s Alejandro Davidovich Fokina in 69 minutes.
Alcaraz Battles Past Fils
In another notable match of the day, Carlos Alcaraz secured a hard-fought victory over the talented young Frenchman Arthur Fils. Alcaraz overcame Fils 4-6, 7-5, 6-3 in a captivating encounter on Court Rainier III.