DEMON’S BIG PAY DAY

DE MINAUR BAGS $429,000

ALEX de Minaur has claimed the biggest pay cheque of his burgeoning career despite losing the Next Gen Finals’ decider to Greek star Stefanos Tsitsipas.

Bidding to emulate Korean Hyeon Chung’s victory last year in the glamour Milan event, de Minaur’s unbeaten run came an end with a 4-2, 1-4, 3-4 (3-5), 3-4 (3-5) loss to world No. 15 Ttitsipas.

De Minaur, 19, earned $429,000 for the week. The figure is comprised of a participation fee and payments for each of his four victories, plus a runners-up bonus.

The event is restricted to players aged 21 and under, and is decided on a Fast4 format.

De Minaur finishes the season ranked No.31 and Australia’s No.1 male ahead of John Millman (33), Nick Kyrgios (37) and Matt Ebden (41).

Tsitsipas lauded de Minaur post- match. “I have huge respect for Alex’s game and his personality,” he said.

“It is a huge thrill to win this title and it was a tough match. “Alex played really well.” De Minaur will now take a welldeserved break before preparing for the Australian summer circuit.

The teenager will come under immediate rankings pressure as he bids to defend runs to the Brisbane semi-finals and Sydney final.

De Minaur and Ash Barty are the favourites to win the John Newcombe medal this month after impressive seasons.

Millman, Ebden and Jason Kubler are also in the mix after outstanding comeback efforts.

Millman was Australia’s best grandslam performer for the season with a run to the US Open quarter-finals after downing Roger Federer at Flushing Meadows.