Alex de Minaur has kicked off his grass court season in the best possible way, defeating Seb Korda in straight sets to win the Libema Open in the Dutch city of ‘s-Hertogenbosch.
De Minaur didn’t drop a set in the Wimbledon warm-up tournament, and claimed the scalps of Milos Raonic and Ugo Humbert on his way to a 6-2, 6-4 win over Korda in the final.
He clinched his title in the Netherlands only hours before girlfriend Katie Boulter won her own title in Nottingham.
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Having climbed back into the top-10 in the world rankings with his run to the Roland-Garros quarter-final, de Minaur’s ninth ATP title will lift him to a career-high No.7 – the highest ranking an Australian man has held in 18 years.
A wide forehand from Korda was enough to give de Minaur the win. Lleyton Hewitt in 2006 was the last Aussie man to be ranked as high.
“Obviously, it was a great match, [with] tricky conditions,” he said.
“Seb is a hell of a player, and I’m looking forward to playing doubles with him next week at Queen’s. I’m super happy with the win, it’s been great, and happy days.
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“It achieves a new career high for me, so that’s always a great little bonus and [my] first week on grass couldn’t have gone any better, so I’m looking forward to next week in Queen’s, and the whole grass court season with a smile on my face.
“I’m glad I was able to get a win here in Holland.”
De Minaur’s first two chances at the title came on Korda’s previous service game, and he then failed to close it out on his own serve a game later.
The win will also ensure de Minaur has an easier run on the Wimbledon draw.
But trouble might still be brewing for the Demon – after Boulter won her title, she ribbed him for not making the trip to watch her.
“My boyfriend didn’t make the trip even though I thought he might after his win in s-Hertogenbosch,” she said with tongue firmly in cheek.
“We will have to be talking about that tonight and see if we’re still gonna be together.
“I hope he’s listening to this because we’ve got some talking to do.”
It’s the second time this season the tennis power couple won titles on the same weekend. When de Minaur won his previous title in Acapulco in March, Boulter won the following day in San Diego.
The Demon’s grass court Wimbledon preparation will continue at the Queen’s Club Championship in London.
The Aussie is the No.2 seed for the tournament and will face Italian Lorenzo Musetti on Tuesday night (AEST).