MILAN, November 7, 2019
The stage of the final four at the Next Gen ATP Finals is set, led by top seed Alex de Minaur, who defeated Casper Ruud from Norway 4-1, 4-0, 4-2 to win Group A on Thursday afternoon at the Allianz Cloud in Milan.
The World No. 18 from Australia saved both break points he faced and capitalized on five of his own 12 chances to secure book his spot in the semi-finals after 61 minutes.
De Minaur is looking dangerous in Milan 😈
The Aussie is into the final four at the @nextgenfinals 👊
🎥: @TennisTV | @alexdeminaur pic.twitter.com/LkJ0GSyeH6
— ATP Tour (@atptour) November 7, 2019
“I knew from playing Casper before that he’d dictate any short ball without a purpose,” De Minaur said. “The game plan was to play on my own terms, play aggressively, play different styles of tennis. The goal I had was [to take] any half-chance, go up and back myself at the net. I’m glad it worked out today. I’m looking forward to the semi-finals.”
De Minaur will take on No. 2 seeded US-American Frances Tiafoe who beat Mikael Ymer of Sweden 4-2, 4-2, 4-2 in one hour and six minutes.
Miomir Kecmanovic eased past Alejandro Davidovich Fokina from Spain 4-1, 4-1, 4-3(6) in only 58 minutes to set a semi-final clash with Italian wild card entry Jannik Sinner. The 20-year-old Serbian won 64 per cent of the total points played and will meet the local favourite for a spot in the title match. Sinner lost his last round-robin match against Frenchman Ugo Humbert 4-3(5), 3-4(3), 4-2, 4-2 in one hour and 42 minutes.
