The Davis Cup 2023 clash between Australia and the UK was around the corner, and Alex de Minaur, Australia’s world No. 12, was relishing the spirited rivalry between the two great sporting nations. A unique situation was already brewing, as his girlfriend, Katie Boulter, a professional tennis player herself was from the UK. Upon arriving in Manchester for the Davis Cup tie, De Minaur made some interesting remarks.
He playfully stated about his bonding with Katie, “We always give each other a little bit of cr*p if our nation wins. It’s always a great competitive spirit between us,” as he reflected on the legacy of the famous Ashes rivalry.
His fondness for the UK had deepened during his stay there, thanks to Katie, and he relished discovering its attractions. He said, “Katie’s shown me around. I’ve found a lot of spots that I quite enjoy.”
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Currently enjoying a career-high ranking of world no. 12, De Minaur was eager to continue his impressive performance in the Davis Cup. He further stated, “I’ve played some great tennis over the last couple of months, and I’m really happy with where my level is at.” He hoped to bring it all together and perform at his best, keeping aside his off-court fondness, when playing for his nation.
However, fate had different plans. In a surprising turn of events, the 27th-ranked Dan Evans managed a stunning victory over the 12th-ranked De Minaur, leading the UK to a resounding win over the Australian team. Ironically, De Minaur found himself having to eat his own words after the UK’s Davis Cup upset win over last year’s finalist, Australia.
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Dan Evans wins over Alex de Minaur 6-1 2-6 6-4 to keep Team Great Britain at the top! 🇬🇧@DavisCup | #DavisCup pic.twitter.com/ToK8wo2ilU
— ATP Tour (@atptour) September 13, 2023
Alex De Minaur’s expectation of a playful exchange, where he could teasingly celebrate victory over his girlfriend’s nation, yielded to the stark reality of defeat, highlighting how unexpected outcomes can swiftly reshape the most spirited rivalries!
UK’s thrilling Davis Cup win over last year’s finalist, Australia
In the opening match of the Group stage this week, the UK fiercely battled against last year’s Davis Cup runners-up, Australia, ultimately securing victory. Debutant Jack Draper electrified the crowd at the Manchester Arena as he rallied from behind to claim a thrilling 6-7(6) 6-3 7-6(4) victory over Thanasi Kokkinakis, providing a fantastic start for the home team.
What a way to win your #DavisCup debut for Jack Draper!
🇬🇧 take the 1-0 lead#DavisCup | @the_LTA pic.twitter.com/zniKTBsAJJ
— Davis Cup (@DavisCup) September 13, 2023
This marked Draper’s maiden Davis Cup appearance, but what made it even more significant was that it was Kokkinakis’ third consecutive loss while representing his nation in this prestigious event. Aspiring to reach the quarter-finals this year, UK completed its team’s victory when a resurgent Dan Evans pulled off a stunning upset.
He defeated the 12th-ranked player in the world, Alex de Minaur, who was enjoying his best form this year, with a score of 6-1 2-6 6-4. This victory gave the UK an unassailable 2-0 lead. Although Australia managed to secure a lone consolation win in the Doubles rubber, it held little significance in the face of the UK’s upset win.