Alex De Minaur has given a typically blunt assessment of his opening-day United Cup performance.
In Australia’s opening tie against Great Britain, Demon went down in three sets to Cameron Norrie 4-6, 6-2, 7-6 (2).
“It was a tough battle, I probably felt like I had a lot of chances, particularly in the third set,” he said.
“But it’s one of those matches that didn’t go my way – Cameron played better than I did in the important moments and jagged the win.”
De Minaur was slow to start against Norrie, and was broken in the opening game and it cost him the first set – a fact the 24-year-old is acutely aware of.
“It’s no secret I had a horrible first game and it ended up costing me the set,” he said.
“I didn’t feel my best out there, (I wasn’t) comfortable, first match of a new season, quick turnaround, I wasn’t as sharp as I could have been.
“Obviously I want to perform here and play well for my country, and I’ll do my best to bounce back and be ready for the next one.”
Demon lost 6-3, 6-3 to Norrie in the same tie at last year’s United Cup, before enjoying his strongest year on tour.
He would go on to beat Rafael next time out, before claiming five top-10 scalps in the year.
“Last year, I was in the same situation (against Norrie) and I lost in two sets, and I ended up having a pretty good year,” De Minaur said.
“This year I lost to Cam again, but 7-6 in the third. Hopefully that means I’m going to have an even better year this year.”
