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Australian tennis star Alex de Minaur crashed out of the Barcelona Open following a straight-sets defeat against Frenchman Arthur Fils by 7-6, 6-2 at Banc Sabadell Trofeo Conde de Godo. After eliminating seasoned Rafael Nadal just 24 hours earlier, Minaur himself swept out of the tournament.
However, after bowing out of the tournament, the Aussie No.1 was subjected to scolding from a group of French fans who continuously targeted him throughout the match in a small and closed Pista Andres Gimeno. The distraction meant that the Australian looked in discomfort during the whole match and succumbed to the 19-year-old.
Following the defeat, De Minaur expressed all his anger and frustration and lashed out at the French spectators by putting out a middle finger to one part of the stands. Earlier on Wednesday, Alex de Minaur had become the first Australian player to secure a victory against Rafael Nadal on clay. Minaur had dominated his Spanish opponent by straight sets of 7-5, 6-1 scoreline.
Arthur Fils advances to the quarterfinals after straight-set victory against Alex de Minaur
The 19-year-old Arthur Fils secured his quarters birth after a 7-5, 6-1 victory over Alex de Minaur at the Barcelona Open. The World no.11 was leading the charge in the first set with a 5-3 lead until he was swept lately by the Frenchman.
In the second set, De Minaur didn’t have answers for the drop shot replies by Fils which was effective against Rafael Nadal in the previous game. His French opponent went on to wrap the game in an hour and 35 minutes of action.