Alex de Minaur books Brisbane International semi-final place after beating Michael Mmoh

AUSTRALIAN wildcard Alex de Minaur has surged into the Brisbane International semi-finals with a commanding victory over fellow teenager Michael Mmoh of the United States.

Alex De Minaur shakes hands with Michael Mmoh.

TEENAGE tennis sensation Alex de Minaur has vowed success won’t change him after blazing a path into the last four at the Brisbane International.

The 18-year-old wildcard secured a semi-final against Ryan Harrison of the United States with a commanding 6-4, 6-0 victory over American qualifier Michael Mmoh.

Yet to drop a set in the tournament, world No.208 de Minaur has thrust himself into the spotlight after defeating 44th-ranked American Steve Johnson in the opening round and knocking No.4 seed and former champion Milos Raonic out in the second.

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“There’s obviously been a lot more attention on me, but it’s not going to change what I do or who I am,” de Minaur said.

“It’s the same old me, playing the same old sport. Just got to keep it casual and that’s what I plan to do.”

De Minaur admitted the opportunity to reach his first ATP World Tour semi-final had sent his nerves soaring early in the match against Mmoh.

Alex De Minaur celebrates winning the first set.

Alex De Minaur serves to Michael Mmoh.

But, having fought off three crucial break points in the sixth game, the tension eased.

De Minaur’s superb movement was on display in the next game as he scrambled from the far right side of the court to the far left to retrieve the ball with a deft backhand which forced Mmoh to send his smash reply way long.

The 19-year-old American qualifier ultimately held, but de Minaur broke him on his next service game and converted his third set point in the next with a ripping forehand down the line.

The young Australian stayed on a roll, dominating the second set.

“It was a very sort of nervy first set, and then I felt like I let go a bit, got a little bit looser, and played some of my best tennis,” de Minaur said.

“I reckon the best way to describe this is at the moment, I’m in this really good dream and I really don’t want to wake up.”

Harrison advanced when quarter-final opponent Denis Istomin of Uzbekistan retired with the American leading 7-6 (8-6), 4-2.

The world No.47 poses a new challenge for de Minaur after enjoying a breakout season in 2017 when he won his maiden tour title, in Memphis, and reached a career-high ranking of No.40.

Michael Mmoh and Alex De Minaur shakes hands at the Brisbane International.

Whatever happens, De Minaur has done his prospects of returning to Brisbane for Australia’s February 2-4 Davis Cup tie against Germany no harm with his performance this week.

The Sydney-born youngster, who has spent more than half his life living in Spain, had been around the Australian team as a hitting partner over the past 18 months and is yearning to stand on the big stage.

“I think any Australian pleayers’ ambition is to actually play for your country and play in Davis Cup and get a number,” he said.

“That’s obviously what my goal is.

“It’s been incredible to be a part of Davis Cup, hanging around the guys, learning so much, hitting with them, feeling what it is to be in that real team atmosphere and I constantly look forward to those weeks. It’s a big highlight for me every time I get to join them.”

Australian Davis Cup coach Jason Stoltenberg said de Minaur’s eagerness to learn while on the fringes of the team stood him in good stead.

“I have no doubt that at some stage down the track he’ll get his chance,” Stoltenberg said.

“But he’ll have to earn that like everyone else does and no matter long that takes, I’m pretty sure he’ll be there to take advantage.”

Originally published as Alex de Minaur books Brisbane International semi-final place after beating Michael Mmoh