ATP Finals: Successful debut for Alex de Minaur - apart from one detail

Young Australian storms into ATP Finals with dominant victory over Andrey Rublev

Alex de Minaur has made a strong start to his ATP Finals debut, defeating Andrey Rublev in straight sets. The 23-year-old Australian won 6-3, 6-4 in just over an hour and a half to move top of Group B after the first round of matches. De Minaur was impressive throughout, serving well and hitting with precision and depth from the baseline. He broke Rublev's serve four times and saved all three break points he faced.

The match was a contrast in styles, with de Minaur's aggressive baseline play contrasting with Rublev's more powerful serve-and-volley game. The Australian was able to neutralize Rublev's big serve with his consistent returning and deep groundstrokes.

De Minaur maintains perfect ATP Finals record

De Minaur's victory over Rublev is his second in as many matches at the ATP Finals. He also defeated Rublev in the group stages of the 2020 edition of the tournament. The Australian is now 2-0 in his ATP Finals career and will be looking to continue his winning run when he faces Casper Ruud in his next match on Tuesday.

De Minaur the only debutant to win opening match

De Minaur is the only debutant to win his opening match at the ATP Finals this year. The other three first-timers - Taylor Fritz, Felix Auger-Aliassime andHolger Rune - all lost their opening matches.

De Minaur's strong start a sign of things to come?

De Minaur's strong start to the ATP Finals is a sign that he is a player to watch in the tournament. The Australian has been in excellent form in recent months, winning the Stockholm Open and reaching the semi-finals of the Paris Masters.

De Minaur is a dangerous opponent for anyone on his day, and he will be hoping to continue his winning run and reach the semi-finals of the ATP Finals for the first time.

What's next for de Minaur?

De Minaur will next face Casper Ruud in his second group match on Tuesday. Ruud is the world number four and will be a tough opponent for the Australian.

If de Minaur can defeat Ruud, he will take a big step towards reaching the semi-finals of the ATP Finals. The Australian has the game to beat anyone on his day, and he will be hoping to continue his strong start to the tournament.