Alex de Minaur has made a winning start at the Madrid Open after beating Lorenzo Sonego.
De Minaur had made an impressive start to his clay court season, after reaching the Monte Carlo Masters semi-finals and the Barcelona Open quarter-final.
This has included De Minaur doing something that Rafael Nadal hasn’t before against Grigor Dimitrov at the Monte Carlo Masters.
De Minaur has now won his first match at the Madrid Open, but he is not happy with everything at the tournament in Spanish capital.
Photo by Clive Brunskill/Getty ImagesAlex de Minaur explains why he prefers the Monte Carlo Masters to the Madrid Open
After De Minaur beat Sonego, 6-2 6-3, he headed to the mixed zone to answer questions from the media.
However, when the topic of two week Masters 1000 tournaments was broached, De Minaur admitted that he prefers tournaments like the Monte Carlo Masters that are held over just one week.
“Even though we don’t play every day, this Masters 1000 format forces us to be in competition mode for a long time,” said De Minaur. “We have to do our routines, be very mentally focused on tennis, and constantly think about what we need to do to give our best.
“Two consecutive Masters 1000 tournaments now keep you in that situation for a month, which is why I would prefer the Monte Carlo format, for example. There’s no need to rest between matches, and you know the tournament will be wrapped up in a week.”
Photo by Alberto Gardin/Eurasia Sport Images/Getty Images
The ATP and WTA Tours have been increasing the number of 1000 tournaments held over two weeks in recent years.
On the ATP Tour, the Monte Carlo Masters is one of only remaining two events still held over one week alongside the Paris Masters.
De Minaur is not the only person who holds this opinion, with Alcaraz also preferring one week Masters 1000 tournaments.
Alex de Minaur says if he thinks he can beat the best players on clay
De Minaur’s improvements on clay have been noticeable this year, matching his general improvements that have enabled him to become a top 10 player.
The world number seven achieved his best result at the Monte Carlo Masters by reaching the semi-finals, and has already matched his best result at the Madrid Open by reaching the third round.
De Minaur only has two top 10 victories on clay so far in his career, but backs himself to contend with the best players on the surface.
“Three years ago, this part of the season was difficult for me because I couldn’t offer my usual competitiveness,” explained the Australian. “My goal was always to be solid on all surfaces and be able to compete at my best every week of the year.
“I’m close to my peak on clay, I think, but right now I see myself ready to beat anyone on this surface.”
De Minaur will now look to achieve his best result at the Madrid Open, as he plays Denis Shapovalov in the third round.
He has never lost to Shapovalov in their four previous meetings, but this will be the first time that De Minaur has played him on clay.