AUSTRALIAN Alex de Minaur‘s first ever tournament as a top seed ended in the best possible way with the Top 10 player taking out the Libema Open at ‘s-Hertogenbosch in the Netherlands. The Aussie defeated American Sebastian Korda in straight sets 6-2 6-4 in 94 minutes to take out the ATP 250 event and kick off his grasscourt season on the perfect note.

It was de Minaur’s second title in 2024 and the 25-year-old has risen to a career-high seventh just in time for Wimbledon with a trip to Queen’s Club next on the agenda.

“It achieves a new career-high for me, so that’s always a great little bonus,” de Minaur said post-match. “My first week on grass couldn’t have gone any better, so I’m looking forward to next week at 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.”

After an even start to the match where both players were 2-2, de Minaur was able to take control using his brilliant return and court coverage to see off Korda with six consecutive games and lead 2-0 in the second set. He converted five break points to Korda’s two and was able to win 77 per cent of his own first serve points to make life difficult for the American.

While Korda was able to keep it relatively even in the second set, de Minaur was able to finish off the match strongly, and moved his win-loss record in 2024 to 33-11. Funnily enough, he will play doubles with Korda in the Cinch Championships.

“Obviously it was a great match. Tricky conditions, and Seb is a hell of a player,” de Minaur said. “I’m looking forward to playing doubles with him next week at Queen’s. I’m super happy with the week. It’s been great. Happy days.”

AROUND THE TOUR

Russian Liudmila Samsonova fought back from a set down to defeat Canadian wildcard Bianca Andreescu in the WTA 250 event at ‘s-Hertogenbosch. Samsonova won 4-6 6-3 7-5 to take out the Dutch title, needing two hours and 34 minutes to secure the win.

Samsonova won 66 and 57 per cent of his first and second points, and broke five time to four in a tight tussle before eventually pulling clear to win. The victory marked world number 15 Samsonova’s first title of the year and fifth overall.

In Nottingham, it was good news for the home fans with Brit Katie Boulter defeating Czech Karolina Pliskova in a tight three-set final. It was a tough slog for both player who had to play semi-finals earlier in the day, and by the time Boulter had lifted the trophy she had been on court five hours and six minutes. She beat fellow Brit and wildcard Emma Raducanu in the semi-final 6-7 6-3 6-4 before triumphing over Pliskova, 4-6 6-3 6-2.

Over in Stuttgart, more there was more cause for British joy as Jack Draper claimed his first ever ATP Tour title. The world number 31 and recent number one British male, came from behind to defeat former Top 10 Italian Matteo Berrettini in two hours and four minutes. He won 3-6 7-6 6-4, serving 12 aces and winning 87 per cent of his first serve points in an impressive display of serving from both players in the match.