De Minaur finds unlikely inspiration in young fan’s support

Australian tennis player Alex de Minaur discovered a boost of motivation during his challenging win against Jan Lennard Struff at the French Open, securing his first appearance in the round of 16 at Roland Garros.

Despite being by a set and a break against the German opponent, de Minaur fought back to secure a 4-6, 6-4, 6-3, 6-3 victory.

In the midst of rain delays that interrupted the match, de Minaur attributes his success to a fan in the crowd who provided encouragement throughout the five-hour battle.

The 25-year-old athlete shared,

“He was this little kid that every single change of ends, every single point I won, he was screaming at my face,” De Minaur explained. “That young lad was there from the very first point till the last, with five hours of rain delay.”

“I don’t understand what this kid is doing, but, oh, he gave me life,” the Australian continued. “Every single change of ends, I’m looking at him, locking eyes with him.”

De Minaur in search for youn fan

After his victory, De Minaur went over to the stands to thank the young tennis fan.

“I just gave him a hug. I was, like, ‘Mate…’ It was a relief more than anything. It was amazing. I appreciate this kid,” he shared.

“If I was a fan, I would probably be back home, because it was bloody cold out there. The fact that he’s spent 10 hours at the court today in the freezing cold pumping me up, I was happy that I was able to get a win together with him.”

Encouraged by this burst of motivation, de Minaur now prepares to face an opponent in the round of 16.

He is gearing up to challenge Daniil Medvedev, seeded fifth in the tournament and considered an underdog, with odds at $2.62 according to the top online betting sites.

Nonetheless, de Minaur will draw strength from the memory of his fans unwavering encouragement as he aims to cause another surprise and progress further in the French Open.

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