Sunday, December 22, 2024

Alex de Minaur into last 16 at Wimbledon after opponent withdraws injured

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Alex de Minaur has progressed to the last 16 at Wimbledon without hitting a ball on Saturday after his opponent Lucas Pouille withdrew prior to play beginning.

As reported by foxsports.com.au on Saturday, Pouille injured abdominal muscles during his match against Thanasi Kokkinakis two days ago and had considered withdrawing before the South Australian slipped and injured his knee.

The French veteran underwent scans on Friday in London and decided against taking the court against the No.9 seeded de Minaur.

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It is the second time de Minaur, who will play the winner of a clash between talented Frenchman Arthur Fils and powerful Russian Roman Safiullin, has reached the fourth round at Wimbledon.

The world No.9 will be seeking to go better than 2022 when he held match points before falling in a super tiebreaker to Cristian Garin.

It is also a bonus for de Minaur, because rain is predicted through the day in London, which is certain to see matches on outdoor courts delayed.

The Rd of 16 test will be tricky, regardless of the opponent, as de Minaur seeks to reach the quarterfinals of a grand slam for the second major in succession.

Fils, a 20-year-old ranked 34 in the world, defeated the Sydneysider in straight sets earlier this year in Barcelona.

Safiullin, who is ranked 44, has always shown good potential.

The other Australian in action today is Alexei Popyrin, who will play Novak Djokovic in the third match on Centre Court, which does have a roof.

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