‘Demon’ de Minaur laments close loss
PAUL MALONE debut wins in Australian Davis Cup history and should have no regrets about a 7-5, 4-6, 4-6, 6-3, 7-6 (7-4) loss to Zverev in the opening match.
De Minaur had a break point for a 4-0 advantage in the fifth set, but made a backhand error and once Zverev scrambled out of his tight corner his ability to win cheap points became vital.
De Minaur, ranked No.139, said it had been “honestly the best four hours’’ of his life.
“Right now I couldn’t be more devastated,’’ he said.
“I left it all on court and I’m feeling pretty bad, but overall I’m pretty proud of my effort – I gave 110 per cent. “I can’t sulk. “I enjoyed every second of it and hopefully next time I’m able to close it out.’’
Zverev, who lost a fifth set to love in his Australian Open upset by Hyeon Chung last month, gained some belief from the escape and took the service break back in the next game when the Australian made three groundstroke errors.
De Minaur was fighting back tears as he walked off after Zverev made the most of his greater power in the tiebreak.
“At 3-0 in the fifth, I just wanted to stay in the moment,” said the Australian.
“He started to play better and the whole match turned.
“He was able to ride it out on his serve. I think it was all about him being able to get free points on his serve.
“He’s a top 10 player and in these decisive moments he could get some free points toward the end of the match.’
“It’s one match and I have to forget about it.’’