STARNBERG, January 13, 2021
Alex de Minaur is the first singles champion of the 2021 ATP Tour season winning the title of the Antalya Open. The fourth-seeded Australian led eighth seed Alexander Bublik 2-0 in the first set of Wednesday’s final, when the Kazakhstani retired due to a right ankle injury he suffered in his semi-final.
De Minaur only dropped one set in five matches this week at the Limak Arcadia Sports Resort in Belek, Turkey.
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“I knew I’d put in a great pre-season. I felt good and ready to compete,” said de Minaur. “I gave myself the best possible chance to go deep in this tournament.
“I have got matches at the start of the year. I am very happy with my level. I got some quality wins and now I’m looking forward to returning to Australia, where I hope to have a good Aussie summer in front of a home crowd.”
By lifting his fourth ATP Tour career trophy following his hard-court title wins in 2019 at the Sydney International, the Atlanta Open and at the Zhuhai Championships. the 21-year-old pocketed €27,960 in prize money as well as 250 ATP Ranking points.
Bublik had twisted his right ankle on Tuesday in his win in the stage of the final four over French veteran Jeremy Chardy, but he attempted to play after extensive physio.
“I twisted my ankle yesterday and finished with an adrenaline rush for the best win of my life. I was so lucky to win. I tried to play. I was in the physio room for three hours yesterday and I tried to get ready for the match today. It’s hard for me in my third ATP Tour final, and I’ve never gotten the win,” the World No. 49 told ATPTour.com
Bublik took away €20,000 in prize money as well as 150 ATP Ranking points.
