Alex de Miñaur survived a three-set battle against Frances Tiafoe, advancing to the Toronto Masters 1000 quarter-finals with a gritty 6-2, 4-6, 6-4 victory that featured one particularly spectacular point showcasing his legendary speed.
"It's part of my DNA. I never give up on any point, no matter my position in the rally," the Australian explained after his triumph. "Today was a crucial example of what it means to make that extra effort."
The world number 8, standing at a modest 1.83m tall, doesn't possess the towering height or overwhelming power that dominates modern tennis. Instead, he relies on extraordinary court coverage and fighting spirit—attributes that were on full display when he chased down what seemed like three impossible shots from the powerful American.
First pushed wide by a crosscourt forehand, then scrambling to retrieve a mid-court blast, and finally sprinting forward to reach a drop shot—all in the same point—de Miñaur turned defense into attack in a sequence that brought the Toronto center court crowd to their feet.
Interestingly, the 26-year-old believes he's evolving beyond just speed. "I don't think I'm faster, it's something that's always been with me," he noted. "This year I haven't had to rely on it as much because I'm focusing on being more aggressive."
Trained by Spanish coach Adolfo Gutiérrez, the Sydney-born player with Spanish and Uruguayan heritage has been working on transforming his natural quickness into an offensive weapon. "I'm trying to use it not just defensively but in an aggressive way too—reaching the net quickly and anticipating the next shot," he added.
De Miñaur enters the quarter-final against Ben Shelton with momentum on his side. Just before Toronto, he claimed the ATP 500 title in Washington by defeating Alejandro Davidovich after saving three match points—another testament to his never-say-die attitude.
By the way, this isn't his first deep run in Toronto. Two years ago, he reached the final here, ultimately falling to Jannik Sinner in his quest for a first Masters 1000 title.
Can the "Demon of Speed" (as he's nicknamed) continue his impressive North American hardcourt campaign? His blend of traditional speed and newfound aggression might just be the perfect formula.
