pwbet gaming Australian Open: Carlos Alcaraz Enjoys Alex De Minaur Duel In Warm-Up Clash

Carlos Alcaraz played a warm-up match against Alex de Minaur in Melbourne Carlos Alcaraz played a warm-up match against Alex de Minaur in Melbourne

Carlos Alcaraz revelled in putting in the hard yards during a much-needed battle with Alex de Minaur in preparation for the Australian Open on Wednesday. (More Tennis News)

The four-time major winner fell to a 7-5, 4-6, 10-5 defeat against De Minaur, just four days before the first major of the year starts in Melbourne.

Alcaraz was delighted to face a tough test in his warm-up exhibition, however, admitting De Minaur pushed him all the way.

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"I love the competition, I love playing these kinds of matches against these kinds of players," said Alcaraz.

"It is always a battle, every point. It was really good, I have been at home just sitting for a month, so coming back here and suffering on the court while playing against Alex is great.

"At the same time, I really wanted to take more days before facing him! It was a great warm-up."

Melbourne! @AustralianOpenGetty pic.twitter.com/28EpKGJNve

— Carlos Alcaraz (@carlosalcaraz) January 6, 2025

Alcaraz raced into a 4-1 lead in the opening set but soon saw the world number eight battle back to claim the first set.

The 21-year-old eventually broke De Minaur to send the exhibition match to a tie-break decider, in which Alcaraz was unable to stop the home favourite.

"I think it is getting excited to play Carlos [that made me play so well]," said De Minaur.

"It is exciting to be back here in Melbourne playing in front of you guys, so I try to do my best.

The team led by Ammad Butt, finally secured their first victory with a 2-1 win over Japan and then delivered a decisive 5-1 win against China, to enter the semi-finals. Their final pool match ended in a narrow 2-1 loss to India.

"You know I am very excited for what is going to be coming over the next couple of weeks, and I am sure we are both going to play some great tennis.

"He has been playing amazing and has done some amazing things in this sport.

"It is always a pleasure to share the court with himpwbet gaming, I always enjoy it and I always try to bring my best level for it."