Di Minaur Crowned First Men’s Champion Of 2021 With Antalya Win

Australian Alex de Minaur become the first men’s champion of 2021 with an abrupt victory over Alexander Bublik in the Antalya final.

Bublik retired down 2-0 in the first set due to a right ankle issue he sustained in the semifinal.

The win is de Minaur’s fourth of his young career.

“I knew I’d put in a great pre-season. I felt good and ready to compete,” the 21-year-old de Minaur said. “I gave myself the best possible chance to go deep in this tournament.

“I have got matches at the start of the year. I am very happy with my level. I got some quality wins and now I’m looking forward to returning to Australia, where I hope to have a good Aussie summer in front of a home crowd.”

De Minaur is now level at 4-4 in ATP finals after his first win since 2019 Zuhai over Adrian Mannarino. The No. 4 seed lost just one set all week, that to No. 2 seed David Goffin yesterday.

Bublik, who upset top seed Matteo Berrettini in the quarters, falls to 0-3 in ATP Finals.

“I twisted my ankle yesterday and finished with an adrenaline rush for the best win of my life,” Bublik said of his win over Chardy. “I was so lucky to win. I tried to play. I was in the physio room for three hours yesterday and I tried to get ready for the match today. It’s hard for me in my third ATP Tour final, and I’ve never gotten the win.”

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