Australian star Alex de Minaur has no intention of slowing down before the new season after claiming a $964,000 pay cheque for his Ultimate Tennis Showdown victory.
De Minaur made tournament history with a dominant win against Norway’s Casper Ruud in London on Monday (AEDT), with the Aussie becoming the first player to win the event three times.
Ruud set the tone for the match – in which the format was four eight-minute quarters with three-minute breaks to changeover – soaring to a 4-0 lead in the first quarter as his Australian rival attempted to find his feet on the court.
READ MORE: Norris wins first F1 title as Piastri falls just short
READ MORE: ‘Too late’: Archer barb that ignited classic Smith moment
READ MORE: Boycott unloads on England after Ashes ‘horror show’
De Minaur did find some late first quarter momentum but could not prevent Ruud from banking it 15-11.
The 26-year-old Australian fired back to dominate the remaining three quarters and claim victory, 11-15, 15-10, 15-11, 16-7.
Alex De Minaur celebrates after defeating Casper Ruud in the UTS final. CameraSport via Getty Images
The total prize fund for three days of work was a significant boost for de Minaur, who has openly stated that all winnings from here on out will go towards his wedding with British tennis star Katie Boulter.
The prize money from the Ultimate Tennis Showdown falls just short of his largest pay day for the year, having won $994,000 for making the quarter finals at the US Open.
Just last month, de Minuar won $1.09m for his efforts in the ATP Finals.
“It’s amazing to win here again,” de Minaur said after lifting the lightning bolt trophy.
“London is a special place for me and it’s my home now, so it’s always great to play at this event and even better to win again.
“I’ve had some tough matches here this week and playing Casper in the final was always going to be difficult. It is amazing to come through.
“There is no rest for me now. I might take (Tuesday AEDT) off, but then it’s back on court practicing for the new season.”