Alex de Minaur stuns tennis world with mind-blowing point in win over Frances Tiafoe
In a battle between two of the best movers on the men's circuit, ninth-seeded de Minaur fought off seventh-seeded American Frances Tiafoe 6-2 4-6 6-4 in their round-of-16 clash in Toronto on Sunday (local time).
Know the news with the 7NEWS app: Download today
The Australian got off to a sizzling start, racing through the first set 6-2 before Tiafoe regrouped in the second to force the match into a decider.
But it was at 4-4 and deuce in the deciding set when the match was turned on its head with one of the points of the year.
Tiafoe, who was serving, appeared to have done enough to win the point several times, only for de Minaur to extend the point with some unbelievable shots.
The American crunched a short forehand wide into the corner, but was left shocked as de Minaur anticipated it and miraculously kept the ball back in play.
Tiafoe then played a clever drop shot, but de Minuar then showed off his blistering pace to chase it down and force his opponent into an error.
The Aussie then landed the crucial break before serving out the match.
But it was that pivotal point that had everyone talking.
'Are you kidding me? The Demon at his vert best,' the commentator said.
'There's just some turbo boosters with that movement, that was just unbelievable.'
De Minaur's renowned return game held him in good stead as he converted five of the 10 break points he generated during the match, compared with the American's three of seven chances.
However, the Australian will be looking for an improvement on his service game for his quarter-final, after landing just 42 per cent of his first deliveries.
Tiafoe hit more aces than de Minaur (10 to six) and more winners (29 to 23), but the American also gave up more free points with unforced 49 errors, compared with 35 from his opponent.
'It was never going to be easy, and Frances has the ability to turn the switch on whenever he wants, so it is always very tricky to put him away,'' de Minaur said after the match.
'I think I battled him, myself and the conditions, and I am happy to sneak away with the win today.''
De Minaur has found a rich vein of form in the countdown to the year's final major, the US Open on the hard courts at Flushing Meadows in New York, which starts on August 24.
The Australian is already a two-time US Open quarter-finalist (2020 and 2024) and has his sights set on making his first grand slam semi-final, having reached the quarters of all four majors.
His timing could not be better, de Minaur coming to Toronto after clinching the Washington Open singles championship last week, his 10th ATP Tour title.
The Washington event was also played on hard courts, making the Aussie one of the most in-form players on the surface.
His win over Tiafoe stretched de Minaur's winning streak to eight matches.
De Minaur has previously reached the Canadian Open final, losing the 2023 decider against Italy's Jannik Sinner, who has since risen to the top of the world rankings.
De Minaur is not the only Australian left in the men's singles in Toronto, with 18th seed and defending champion Alexei Popyrin to take on top-seeded German Alexander Zverev.
Both of the quarter-finals will be played on Monday (Tuesday AEST).
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
West Australian
8 hours ago
- West Australian
Mollie O'Callaghan, Meg Harris, Harry Turner and Sam Short: The faces of Aussie swimming's next generation
Australia is cooking up another golden generation in the pool. And our new crop of swimming superstars have just had a coming-out party at the World Aquatics Championships, which has them primed to dominate next year's Commonwealth Games. The Aussies finished second only to their powerhouse rivals the United States in the swimming leg of the championships and second only to China overall. It lays down a marker for major international tournaments on the horizon, including next year's Games in Glasgow - broadcast live and fee on Channel Seven - and the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles. There are new faces leading the way for the Aussies too. At just 21, Mollie O'Callaghan — who Australia was introduced to during last year's Olympics — has already equalled Ian Thorpe's record gold-medal haul at 11. The Brisbane-born jet now has time on her side. While a life in swimming is short, O'Callaghan is already shaping as one of the faces of her home Olympics in 2032. She is on track to become the greatest Australian swimmer of all time and is a strong chance to break Emma McKeon's all-time Aussie gold-medal collection at the next Olympics. McKeon's six golds came largely as a mainstay of the country's relay teams. O'Callaghan anchors Australia's teams, but also has an individual presence. O'Callaghan claimed the blue-riband 200m freestyle gold — the event she took Ariarne Titmus' mantle in at Paris last year — again in Singapore this week as well as steering home two relays. 'I look at her, and I see the gold medallist,' Thorpe said of O'Callaghan. 'She will go far beyond 11 (golds). 'And looking … beyond for Mollie O'Callaghan, is the opportunity not only at the world championships but multiple Olympics.' Fellow Aussie freestyler Meg Harris also broke into the individual realm on the final night of the titles, powering to the 50m freestyle crown. Harris — who is deaf in one ear — even won the race with her eyes closed, literally. 'It's normal for me,' Harris said of her shut-eye habit. 'I do it a lot in the 50m and in the 100m, I always do it on the second lap. So I'm not quite sure what it is, I do it in training as well, but I guess it's just like trying to focus on my stroke … not 100 per cent, that's just what happens.' The Aussie that captured the nation's hearts during the championships was knockabout Queenslander Harrison Turner, who was just as stunned as everyone else when he claimed a bronze medal and shaved three seconds off his personal best in the 200m butterfly. He described his medal as 'dirty gold' in a hilarious poolside interview. After sneaking in to the final in lane eight, Turner said his mentality was: 'I've got a lane, I've got a chance.' 'If you told me I was gonna win a gold — I mean, sorry, a bronze medal — at the start of the year … I'd tell you you're dreaming,' he said. If O'Callaghan looms as the Cathy Freeman-like face of the Brisbane Games, Turner has all the potential to be a hometown cult hero. His mullet sits comfortably and he spends as much time fishing, surfing and on the water with mates as he does between lane ropes. Queensland's swimming production line has also made Sam Short a star of the future. The 21-year-old battled serious illness — which threatened to spoil his week — to claim silver in the 400m freestyle. Backstroke queen Kaylee McKeown still looms large. She has already competed at two Olympics and is poised to tear up the Commonwealth Games, clear of American rival Regan Smith.
Perth Now
8 hours ago
- Perth Now
Meet the fresh faces of Aussie swimming's golden generation
Australia is cooking up another golden generation in the pool. And our new crop of swimming superstars have just had a coming-out party at the World Aquatics Championships, which has them primed to dominate next year's Commonwealth Games. The Aussies finished second only to their powerhouse rivals the United States in the swimming leg of the championships and second only to China overall. It lays down a marker for major international tournaments on the horizon, including next year's Games in Glasgow and the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles. There are new faces leading the way for the Aussies too. At just 21, Mollie O'Callaghan — who Australia was introduced to during last year's Olympics — has already equalled Ian Thorpe's record gold-medal haul at 11. The Brisbane-born jet now has time on her side. While a life in swimming is short, O'Callaghan is already shaping as one of the faces of her home Olympics in 2032. She is on track to become the greatest Australian swimmer of all time and is a strong chance to break Emma McKeon's all-time Aussie gold-medal collection at the next Olympics. McKeon's six golds came largely as a mainstay of the country's relay teams. O'Callaghan anchors Australia's teams, but also has an individual presence. Mollie O'Callaghan. Credit: instagram/Mollie O'Callaghan / supplied O'Callaghan claimed the blue-riband 200m freestyle gold — the event she took Ariarne Titmus' mantle in at Paris last year — again in Singapore this week as well as steering home two relays. 'I look at her, and I see the gold medallist,' Thorpe said of O'Callaghan. 'She will go far beyond 11 (golds). 'And looking … beyond for Mollie O'Callaghan, is the opportunity not only at the world championships but multiple Olympics.' Meg Harris. Credit: instagram/Meg Harris / supplied Fellow Aussie freestyler Meg Harris also broke into the individual realm on the final night of the titles, powering to the 50m freestyle crown. Harris — who is deaf in one ear — even won the race with her eyes closed, literally. 'It's normal for me,' Harris said of her shut-eye habit. 'I do it a lot in the 50m and in the 100m, I always do it on the second lap. So I'm not quite sure what it is, I do it in training as well, but I guess it's just like trying to focus on my stroke … not 100 per cent, that's just what happens.' The Aussie that captured the nation's hearts during the championships was knockabout Queenslander Harrison Turner, who was just as stunned as everyone else when he claimed a bronze medal and shaved three seconds off his personal best in the 200m butterfly. He described his medal as 'dirty gold' in a hilarious poolside interview. After sneaking in to the final in lane eight, Turner said his mentality was: 'I've got a lane, I've got a chance.' 'If you told me I was gonna win a gold — I mean, sorry, a bronze medal — at the start of the year … I'd tell you you're dreaming,' he said. If O'Callaghan looms as the Cathy Freeman-like face of the Brisbane Games, Turner has all the potential to be a hometown cult hero. Harrison Turner. Credit: instagram/Harrison Turner / supplied His mullet sits comfortably and he spends as much time fishing, surfing and on the water with mates as he does between lane ropes. Queensland's swimming production line has also made Sam Short a star of the future. The 21-year-old battled serious illness — which threatened to spoil his week — to claim silver in the 400m freestyle. Backstroke queen Kaylee McKeown still looms large. She has already competed at two Olympics and is poised to tear up the Commonwealth Games, clear of American rival Regan Smith. Sam Short. Credit: instagram/Sam Short / supplied
The Advertiser
8 hours ago
- The Advertiser
State's best hill climbers head to Ringwood Park for shot at Aussie titles
Some of Australia's best hill climbers will be heading to Ringwood Park Motorsport Complex on August 9 for the final round of the NSW Hillclimb Championships and spots at the upcoming Australian titles. A quality field is expected for the event at Ringwood Park, on Italia Road, Balickera, 12km north of Raymond Terrace, including former Australian champion Dean Tighe, from Queensland, who will arrive back in Australia with four days to spare after racing in the UK. Tighe, who is on track to reclaim the NSW and Australian titles this season, holds the fastest lap record at the Ringwood Park track which is rated by many as Australia's most challenging track. Other drivers who will be pushing for class and overall honours at the final round include Kempsey's Dave Morrow who has shown a liking for the Ringwood Park track with podium finishes there on previous visits. Morrow is coming off a victory in the Formula Libre 750-1300cc class at round six at Tamworth. Heddon Greta's Tim Blake in his Subaru Impreza WRX and Peter Akers (Subaru Impreza,) finished first and second respectively in the Sedan type cars at the 2025 Queensland Hillclimb Championship. Round seven of the NSW Championships at Ringwood Park, follows the first two rounds at Bahurst, round three at Wollongong, round four at Kempsey, round five at Grafton and round six at Tamworth. The opening two rounds of the NSW Hillclimb Championships on Mt Panorama on March 5-6 were downgraded to Multi Club events due to the floods along the eastern seaboard. However, Tighe managed to get there and set the fastest times on both days of the Bathurst Light Car Club run event. He followed that up with wins at Huntley at Wollongong, Grafton and Kempsey. This weekend's event is hosted by MG Car Club Newcastle, and will finalise overall victory and category wins and subsequent spots at the Australian Hillclimb Championship which will be held at The Bend Motorsport Park in South Australia. Racing driver and instructor Cody McKay, who used the Ringwood Park track to train drivers said it was one of the most challenging and rewarding tracks in Australia. McKay, who has had wins and podiums at the Bathurst 6 Hour and also the Aussie Racing Car Championship, said Ringwood Park hosted the Australian Championship in 2023. While he will not be competing, he said this is an event for all motorsports fans and it will provide plenty of exciting highlights. "This would have to be Australia's most challenging track. If you can get this track right, you're right to go to Bathurst, and you're right to go to the street circuits. "We really teach our students to do well here if they can nail it they have success on all sorts of other tracks. "The intricacies and the technicalities of what's needed to learn how to race here really translates onto the bigger tracks. "This is really technical. You've got to learn your brakes, your steering. There also a lot of undulations, and it's pretty high speed as well. So if something goes wrong, it can really go wrong "The spectators love it as well. "Some of the talented drivers can pretty much do the whole course sideways. "This is a driver's track. It's a real driver's experience. There of all theses ups and downs at the top, and you're going well over 100 kilometres an hour on some sections. So you've really got to be a talented driver Practice is on Saturday, racing on Sunday from 9am with Food and Drinks will be available from the canteen. Racing begins at 9am. Some of Australia's best hill climbers will be heading to Ringwood Park Motorsport Complex on August 9 for the final round of the NSW Hillclimb Championships and spots at the upcoming Australian titles. A quality field is expected for the event at Ringwood Park, on Italia Road, Balickera, 12km north of Raymond Terrace, including former Australian champion Dean Tighe, from Queensland, who will arrive back in Australia with four days to spare after racing in the UK. Tighe, who is on track to reclaim the NSW and Australian titles this season, holds the fastest lap record at the Ringwood Park track which is rated by many as Australia's most challenging track. Other drivers who will be pushing for class and overall honours at the final round include Kempsey's Dave Morrow who has shown a liking for the Ringwood Park track with podium finishes there on previous visits. Morrow is coming off a victory in the Formula Libre 750-1300cc class at round six at Tamworth. Heddon Greta's Tim Blake in his Subaru Impreza WRX and Peter Akers (Subaru Impreza,) finished first and second respectively in the Sedan type cars at the 2025 Queensland Hillclimb Championship. Round seven of the NSW Championships at Ringwood Park, follows the first two rounds at Bahurst, round three at Wollongong, round four at Kempsey, round five at Grafton and round six at Tamworth. The opening two rounds of the NSW Hillclimb Championships on Mt Panorama on March 5-6 were downgraded to Multi Club events due to the floods along the eastern seaboard. However, Tighe managed to get there and set the fastest times on both days of the Bathurst Light Car Club run event. He followed that up with wins at Huntley at Wollongong, Grafton and Kempsey. This weekend's event is hosted by MG Car Club Newcastle, and will finalise overall victory and category wins and subsequent spots at the Australian Hillclimb Championship which will be held at The Bend Motorsport Park in South Australia. Racing driver and instructor Cody McKay, who used the Ringwood Park track to train drivers said it was one of the most challenging and rewarding tracks in Australia. McKay, who has had wins and podiums at the Bathurst 6 Hour and also the Aussie Racing Car Championship, said Ringwood Park hosted the Australian Championship in 2023. While he will not be competing, he said this is an event for all motorsports fans and it will provide plenty of exciting highlights. "This would have to be Australia's most challenging track. If you can get this track right, you're right to go to Bathurst, and you're right to go to the street circuits. "We really teach our students to do well here if they can nail it they have success on all sorts of other tracks. "The intricacies and the technicalities of what's needed to learn how to race here really translates onto the bigger tracks. "This is really technical. You've got to learn your brakes, your steering. There also a lot of undulations, and it's pretty high speed as well. So if something goes wrong, it can really go wrong "The spectators love it as well. "Some of the talented drivers can pretty much do the whole course sideways. "This is a driver's track. It's a real driver's experience. There of all theses ups and downs at the top, and you're going well over 100 kilometres an hour on some sections. So you've really got to be a talented driver Practice is on Saturday, racing on Sunday from 9am with Food and Drinks will be available from the canteen. Racing begins at 9am. Some of Australia's best hill climbers will be heading to Ringwood Park Motorsport Complex on August 9 for the final round of the NSW Hillclimb Championships and spots at the upcoming Australian titles. A quality field is expected for the event at Ringwood Park, on Italia Road, Balickera, 12km north of Raymond Terrace, including former Australian champion Dean Tighe, from Queensland, who will arrive back in Australia with four days to spare after racing in the UK. Tighe, who is on track to reclaim the NSW and Australian titles this season, holds the fastest lap record at the Ringwood Park track which is rated by many as Australia's most challenging track. Other drivers who will be pushing for class and overall honours at the final round include Kempsey's Dave Morrow who has shown a liking for the Ringwood Park track with podium finishes there on previous visits. Morrow is coming off a victory in the Formula Libre 750-1300cc class at round six at Tamworth. Heddon Greta's Tim Blake in his Subaru Impreza WRX and Peter Akers (Subaru Impreza,) finished first and second respectively in the Sedan type cars at the 2025 Queensland Hillclimb Championship. Round seven of the NSW Championships at Ringwood Park, follows the first two rounds at Bahurst, round three at Wollongong, round four at Kempsey, round five at Grafton and round six at Tamworth. The opening two rounds of the NSW Hillclimb Championships on Mt Panorama on March 5-6 were downgraded to Multi Club events due to the floods along the eastern seaboard. However, Tighe managed to get there and set the fastest times on both days of the Bathurst Light Car Club run event. He followed that up with wins at Huntley at Wollongong, Grafton and Kempsey. This weekend's event is hosted by MG Car Club Newcastle, and will finalise overall victory and category wins and subsequent spots at the Australian Hillclimb Championship which will be held at The Bend Motorsport Park in South Australia. Racing driver and instructor Cody McKay, who used the Ringwood Park track to train drivers said it was one of the most challenging and rewarding tracks in Australia. McKay, who has had wins and podiums at the Bathurst 6 Hour and also the Aussie Racing Car Championship, said Ringwood Park hosted the Australian Championship in 2023. While he will not be competing, he said this is an event for all motorsports fans and it will provide plenty of exciting highlights. "This would have to be Australia's most challenging track. If you can get this track right, you're right to go to Bathurst, and you're right to go to the street circuits. "We really teach our students to do well here if they can nail it they have success on all sorts of other tracks. "The intricacies and the technicalities of what's needed to learn how to race here really translates onto the bigger tracks. "This is really technical. You've got to learn your brakes, your steering. There also a lot of undulations, and it's pretty high speed as well. So if something goes wrong, it can really go wrong "The spectators love it as well. "Some of the talented drivers can pretty much do the whole course sideways. "This is a driver's track. It's a real driver's experience. There of all theses ups and downs at the top, and you're going well over 100 kilometres an hour on some sections. So you've really got to be a talented driver Practice is on Saturday, racing on Sunday from 9am with Food and Drinks will be available from the canteen. Racing begins at 9am.
