The rhythm of De Miñaur can with a happy Andújar in the Laver

Pablo Andújar deserved to play at the Rod Laver Arena at least once in his sinuous career, partly cut short by injuries, and he did so this Saturday thanks to the fact that he faced an Australian tennis player with Spanish roots and who usually trains in Alicante, Alex de Minaur, the prodigy that escaped the Spanish Federation and is now the pride of his country, its player with the highest ranking (42nd). The man from Cuenca, based in Valencia, received a standing ovation after losing 6-4, 6-4, 6-2 in just over two hours with the 22-year-old boy, whom he won almost four years ago in a Challenger that was held in the second largest city in the Valencia Community.

This time, the frenetic pace of the Tasmanian devil, as he is nicknamed, was able to defeat an Andújar who competed with dignity and had a good time. He won over the public on his own merits and also for applauding some magnificent points from his rival, who will face Jannik Sinner on Monday in the round of 16 in a generational duel. The 20-year-old Italian got rid of the Japanese, tennis player raised in Valencia, Taro Daniel (6-4, 1-6, 6-3 and 6-1 in 2h41).

Andújar turns 36 this Sunday and the speaker of the center court of the Australian Open remembered him when he left the court, but not the tournament, since he is still in doubles with Pedro Martínez as a couple and both will face Marcel Granollers and the Argentine Horacio Zeballos, third favorites, in the round of 16 (not before 5:30). A good way to celebrate a special day for him, which reminds him that despite all adversity, he is still competitive and can enjoy moments like the one he experienced in one of the most important stadiums in the world. For the 11th time he is resisting the round of 16 in Melbourne, but if he continues like this (he has risen ten places in the ranking, he is 73rd), he will return in 2023.

Australian Open Men’s Draw.