Rafael Nadal has reached the eighth-finals of Wimbledon 2018: The world’s number one defeated Alex de Minaur in three sets and will now face either Jiri Vesely or Fabio Fognini.
Alex de Minaur is not a man who shuns the spotlight. After all, the 19-year-old was allowed to compete with Alexander Zverev in the Davis Cup in Brisbane at the beginning of the year, driving the German number one over five sets to the brink of defeat. Centre Court in Wimbledon, and against double champion Rafael Nadal – this task is one floor higher.
De Minaur did well, increasing from set to set but, as expected, had to sail without a chance in the end. Nadal won after 2:02 hours 6:1, 6:2 and 6:4. In the very last game, the Australian had another chance to break, but the fourth match point was for the favourite.
The conditions in Wimbledon 2018 are very favourable for Nadal – the balls bounce high, the Spaniard can play in his comfort zone. And de Minaur does not have the means to cause Nadal, who had travelled to Wimbledon without a preparation tournament, lasting problems.
The next task on Monday could be a bit more demanding. Then Nadal will either face Jiri Vesely or Fabio Fognini. The Czech can do a lot of harm with his serve, Fognini, on the other hand, has already beaten Nadal once after 0:2-set deficit.
Here the single tableau in Wimbledon