2021 ATP Cup Group B – Rafael Nadal vs Alex de Minaur Preview & Prediction
THE FACTS
Where is Rafael Nadal vs Alex de Minaur taking place? Melbourne Park, Melbourne, Australia
When is Rafael Nadal vs Alex de Minaur on and what time does it start? Tuesday 2nd February, 2021 – Not before 08:00 (UK)
Where can I get tickets for Rafael Nadal vs Alex de Minaur? Visit this link for ticket information
What channel is Rafael Nadal vs Alex de Minaur on? This match will not be televised live in the UK
Where can I stream Rafael Nadal vs Alex de Minaur in the UK? Amazon Prime Video subscribers can stream the match live
THE LOWDOWN
RAFAEL NADAL
- World number two Rafael Nadal made it lucky 13 when he extended his own unbelievable record at Roland-Garros in 2020 and the Spaniard drew level with Roger Federer on 20 career Grand Slams.
- · The 34-year-old was found wanting at times last season at the inaugural ATP Cup, losing to David Goffin in the quarter-finals and then to Novak Djokovic to see Team Spain finish as runners-up to Team Serbia.
ALEX DE MINAUR
- World number 23 Alex de Minaur has already won a tournament this season, claiming his fourth career ATP title with victory at the Antalya Open in early January.
- 21-year-old De Minaur came close on a couple of occasions in 2020, most notably as part of Team Australia in the semi-finals of the inaugural ATP Cup back in January but the 21-year-old is still a likely star of the future.
THE PREDICTION
Alex de Minaur was part of a hugely likeable Australian team at last year’s ATP Cup as part of a dynamic duo alongside close friend Nick Kyrgios and he will lead his country out again as the first option under Lleyton Hewitt’s spirited captaincy. De Minaur played some incredible tennis this time last year and took the first set off an out-of-sorts Rafael Nadal in the semi-finals before ultimately losing the decider there. Nadal will be eager to establish himself in this competition with his usual early-round bulldozing but the fact that De Minaur has already won five matches this year should count for something. With the young Aussie’s tendency to start strongly, his lightning-quick reflexes could take him up a set before defeat again if Nadal is a little rusty on Rod Laver. With the tie likely to be 1-0 to Team Spain already, the full support of the home arena should help the youngster’s claim to this and so De Minaur to win the first set but Nadal to come through in three, just like last year, looks a reasonable outcome.
