WATCH: “Djokovic has understood for 10 years that you cannot please everyone”- Alex de Minaur flips off the audience during his match against Arthur Fils in Barcelona, polarizes tennis fans on social media

World No. 36 Arthur Fils put on a clay court masterclass in another testament to his potential at the 2024 Barcelona Open. On Thursday, up against World No. 11 Alex de Minaur, the teenager won the match 7-5, 6-2 in one hour and 34 minutes. Fils is now into his fourth quarter-final of the season.

de Minaur was riding high on confidence having become the first Australian to beat Rafael Nadal on clay. The 25-year-old defeated the 12-time Barcelona champ in straight sets in the second round in the Spaniard’s potential farewell appearance. But Fils rained on his parade quickly to continue his run at the ATP-500 event.

Fils had massive crowd support during the tie. More than the French crowd, it could be due to the Aussie’s victory over the home favorite Nadal. The 19-year-old however made the best use of it as he kept the pressure on the court whilte he spectators created pressure from the stands against the Aussie.

The World No. 11 wasn’t however just taking it silently. He also retaliated eventually giving roars after every point win as the atmosphere on Court 1 got heated. Toward the end, de Minaur lost his cool and eventually showed his middle-finger to the booing crowd triggering massive reactions on the internet.

Alex de Minaur showing middle finger gets mixed reactions

Heckling and booing have increased tremendously in the sport. Fans from the ’70s and ’80s could argue the atmosphere was quite different then but with social media, these incidents are reported more. Even Nadal had to discourage his fans from heckling Flavio Cobolli in the first round.

But in case of de Minaur, it was more to do with the French crowd. They enjoyed the booing and then the angry reaction of the 25-year-old. The Aussie however received support from some as this was one of his rarest outbursts on the court.

Fils is now the youngest remaining player in the draw in Barcelona having earned his biggest win for the season in terms of ranking. The Frenchman also takes a 1-0 lead in the head-to-head against de Minaur as he reaches his maiden ATP-500 quarter-finals. He will now take on Dusan Lajovic for a place in the semis.

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• “Fell very comfortable working with him” Emma Raducanu’s recent form suggests she has found a ‘suitable coach’

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