“Katie inspires me!” De Minaur books spot in Queen’s final, takes out second seed Rune

Australian Alex De Minaur, the No 7 seed, moved into the final of the Queen’s by defeating Dane Holger Rune, the second seed, 6-3, 7-6 (2) at Queen’s Club in London on Saturday afternoon.

And he paid tribute to his girlfriend Katie Boulter, the British No 1, for inspiring him with her run to the title in Nottingham last week – her maiden trophy on tour.

“I was probably inspired by her last week. I mean, I think she put in a hell of a performance, all things considering. I mean, she’s playing her home tournament. She’s British No 1 for the first time. She’s nonstop playing more Brits, so there’s always a lot of nerves and pressure.

“She went out there, had a great week, made the final, and then the biggest match of her career, she played one of the best matches I’ve ever seen her. To be able to stand and deliver in that crucial point and win her first title, I was, like, yeah, I’ve got to watch what she’s doing and learn myself.

“I think I have tried to replicate that a little bit this week and just be nice and calm, have a positive mindset. You know, it definitely helps. I’ve got to get a couple more tips from Katie.”

De Minaur’s second career final on grass

De Minaur, ranked No 18, will play the winner of the match between Spaniard Carlos Alcaraz, the top seed, and American Sebastian Korda next.

This will be de Minaur’s second career final on grass, having won Eastbourne in 2021, and his 12th ATP Tour final overall.

Demon ROARS 🔥

The moment @alexdeminaur reached the final at the Queen's Club, defeating Rune 6-3 7-6!#cinchChampionships pic.twitter.com/B6Y5bCBmWT

— Tennis TV (@TennisTV) June 24, 2023

He is also the first Australian to reach the Queen’s final since Lleyton Hewitt won the title in 2006, beating James Blake in the final.

Rune will nonetheless be pleased with his week, having gone into it without a single senior career win on grass beforehand.

Earlier in the tournament, the Australian won against Andy Murray (6-3, 6-1), Argentinian Diego Schwartzman (6-2, 6-2) and Frenchman Adrian Mannarino (6-4, 4-6, 6-4).

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Rune, ranked No 6, won against American Maxime Cressy (7-6 (4), 7-6 (3)), wildcard Ryan Peniston (6-3, 6-4) and Italian Lorenzo Musetti, the No 6 seed (6-4, 7-5) in the previous rounds of the Queen’s Championships.

London ATP500, other semi-final result (Queen’s Club, grass, EUR 2.195.175):

• Carlos Alcaraz vs. Sebastian Korda