It all starts on Saturday, during a rainy afternoon at Roland-Garros. Mired in the wet clay of Court 14, Alex De Minaur (ATP 11) was forced to battle for several hours to get rid of Jan-Lennard Struff (ATP 41) in the third round. Whether for the players or the spectators, it is difficult to have fun with such terrible weather. Except for Paul.
This young 14-year-old tennis player raved for his favorite player, screaming on every point and celebrating his victory as if it were his own. His encouragement pushed Alex De Minaur towards success.
“I didn’t understand what this boy was doing. At each change of side, I looked into his eyes, he really gave me life, explained the Australian. In the end, I hugged him. It was relief more than anything else.”
The teenager’s smile when hugging his idol is contagious. He probably returned home with stars in his eyes after realizing his dream. The story could have ended there as it was already so beautiful. She’s going to turn out beautiful.
But Alex De Minaur decides to post a message on X in the evening. “I need to find the name of this legend. Write to me on Instagram, I need him for the next round.” The magic happens and Alex De Minaur contacts the young Frenchman: “Hi, you are my legend, here is my number.”
The dream therefore continued on Monday for Paul since he was invited to the Australian’s box for the round of 16 against the Russian Daniil Medvedev. After his victory, Alex De Minaur even brought him down on the field to share a moment with him.
On Wednesday, during the first quarter-final of his career at Roland-Garros against the German Alexander Zverev, the world number 11 should once again be able to count on his new lucky charm.
“It’s the end of the school year anyway,” explained the new darling to various media. My parents told me it was an incredible story and that I should enjoy it.”
Paul is living his best life and he’ll probably have some great stories to tell when he gets back to class.
