MELBOURNE: Australian number one Alex de Minaur recovered quickly after a dip in his level to move into the Australian Open second round with a 6-1 7-5 6-4 win over dangerous Dutchman Botic van de Zandschulp on Tuesday (Jan 14).
While much of the focus leading into the Grand Slam had been on the long-awaited return of tennis showman Nick Kyrgios, it is De Minaur that Australians will be backing to end the country’s 49-year wait for a men’s singles champion at Melbourne Park.
The 25-year-old, who has never crossed the fourth round at his home major, was relaxed despite the big expectations placed on his shoulders.
“What gives me a sense of calm is knowing the amount of work I have put in behind the scenes and knowing I’ve done everything in my power to be ready,” De Minaur said.
“I know as soon as I walk on this court, every single one of you has my back. I’m going to do my best from the first point to the last.”
The eighth seed looked every bit a potential champion as he powered through the opening set in 26 minutes conceding only 13 points, before tightening his grip with an early break in the next set for a 3-1 lead.
Things fell apart from there and an untimely forehand error from De Minaur allowed Van de Zandschulp to draw level but it is in scrappy situations that the Australian truly excels, and he saved two set points to hold for 5-5.
De Minaur pumped his fist and let out the emotions with a roar after breaking in the following game and then wrapped up the second set with an ace to draw loud cheers from the Rod Laver Arena crowd.
It was his turn to join fans in applauding world number 84 Van de Zandschulp after the tall Dutchman scampered to the back of the court and pulled off a stunning ‘tweener en route to a clutch hold in the third set.
De Minaur pounced again to break in the ninth game and he closed out the victory on serve in the next to book a meeting with American qualifier Tristan Boyer, who defeated Argentine Federico Coria 6-3 6-7(3) 4-6 7-5 6-1.
Should be dragged the distance in that match, De Minaur is confident that his body can handle the rigours after overcoming a serious hip injury sustained at Wimbledon last year.
“The body feels great. It’s been a long time since it’s felt this good,” De Minaur said.
“I’m just more than anything, relieved. I’m happy to move, I’m happy to slide around the court and burn my shoes. It’s a good sign, that one.”
