De Minaur retires injured, handing China Open title to Djokovic<\/a><\/p>\nAlex de Minaur says he did not want his Beijing campaign to end in the way it did, with injury forcing the Australian to retire early in the second set.<\/p>\n
But Alexander Zvererv, who will be the year-end world number one, stands in his way after the German beat Alexander Bublik 7-6(6), 4-6, 7-6(1).<\/p>\n
In his fifth encounter against Khachanov, de Minaur knew efficiency was key.<\/p>\n
“It was really important for me to serve well and I think I definitely did that, especially down the stretch,” he said.<\/p>\n
“I got into a little bit of trouble, a couple of love-30 games, and I was able to find some good serves when I needed it.”<\/p>\n
De Minaur, who reached the semi-finals at the prestigious season-ending tournament last year, cut a forlorn figure after being forced to retire early in the second set of last week’s China Open final against Djokovic, when a set down.<\/p>\n
His comeback has been nothing short of remarkable.<\/p>\n
“Ultimately I’ve been getting better and better every day,” the 27-year-old said.<\/p>\n
“Today was by far my best match and I think that I’m only going to get better.<\/p>\n
“I know that once I’m fit physically and mentally, I’m the player that I [want to be] and I’m excited to be competing and going to the tail end of these tournaments and feeling great about myself.”<\/p>\n
Despite a 4-8 record against Zverev, de Minaur prevailed in their past two meetings, both at Laver Cup, including two weeks ago. Zverev has fitness problems of his own.<\/p>\n
“My ankle was acting up, unfortunately,” Zverev said, who saved three set points against Bublik in the first-set tiebreak.<\/p>\n
“It was understandable because I have been playing a lot of tennis, which is kind of a good sign because I have been playing well. I am starting to feel my body more and more but I am happy to get through.”<\/p>\n
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