Alex de Minaur says he won't be fazed facing world No.1 Rafael Nadal in a third-round show-court clash at Wimbledon.
The 19-year-old Sydneysider- now the youngest player remaining in the men's draw following Denis Shapovalov's exit - beat Frenchman Pierre-Hugues Herbert 6-2 6-7 (10-8) 7-6 6-3, to set up an encounter with the 17-time grand slam winner.
De Minaur spent his formative tennis years in Spain and although he has huge respect for the king of clay, he'll treat him no different to any other opponent.
"It's an experience I am really looking forward to, playing a legend like he is," de Minaur said.
"But once I get on court it is going to be just another match. I am going to go out there, compete have fun and leave it all out there."
Nick Kyrgios, who is also through to the third round, believes his young countryman has the game to shock Nadal, just like he did in 2014 when he announced himself to the world with victory over the Spaniard on Centre Court.
De Minaur believes he played some of the best tennis of his career against world No.72 Herbert, and is confident he can transfer it to the biggest match of his life.Wimbledon 2018: Bring on Rafael Nadal, says Aussie young gun Alex de Minaur after win
Alex de Minaur says he won't be fazed facing world No.1 Rafael Nadal in a third-round show-court clash at Wimbledon.
The 19-year-old Sydneysider- now the youngest player remaining in the men's draw following Denis Shapovalov's exit - beat Frenchman Pierre-Hugues Herbert 6-2 6-7 (10-8) 7-6 6-3, to set up an encounter with the 17-time grand slam winner.
De Minaur spent his formative tennis years in Spain and although he has huge respect for the king of clay, he'll treat him no different to any other opponent.
"It's an experience I am really looking forward to, playing a legend like he is," de Minaur said.
"But once I get on court it is going to be just another match. I am going to go out there, compete have fun and leave it all out there."
Nick Kyrgios, who is also through to the third round, believes his young countryman has the game to shock Nadal, just like he did in 2014 when he announced himself to the world with victory over the Spaniard on Centre Court.
De Minaur believes he played some of the best tennis of his career against world No.72 Herbert, and is confident he can transfer it to the biggest match of his life.
