Alex de Minaur rewrites Aussie men’s tennis record books at US Open
Tennis star Alex de Minaur has done something no Australian male player has achieved on the court in more than two decades.
Tennis
Don't miss out on the headlines from Tennis. Followed categories will be added to My News.
Alex de Minaur has advanced into the fourth round of the US Open and etched his name into the record books in the process.
The Aussie had his hands full early on against Britain’s Dan Evans before breezing through with a 6-3, 6-7 (4-7), 6-0, 6-0 victory on Sunday (AEST).
Watch selected NRL, AFL, SSN games plus every F1 qualifying session and race live in 4K on Kayo. New to Kayo? Start Your Free Trial today.
Evans called for the trainer on multiple occasions as he battled with a hip complaint that severely limited his ability to cover the court.
The Aussie took full advantage as he pushed his opponent from corner to corner over the final two sets.
As the third and fourth set unfolded those in attendance began to boo Evans with De Minaur putting a finger to his lips to silence the crowd.
The 25-year-old was full of praise for Evans after the contest, asking those in the crowd to applaud him for battling through his injuries.
“The first thing we should show is a lot of respect to Dan. He’s an ultimate competitor. He could have easily pulled out, the body was obviously not feeling well but he stayed out there and tried his best, so I really appreciate it,” De Minaur said.
“We’ve had some great battles and obviously he’s gotten the better of me on many occasions so I’m happy I was able to get one on the board.”
The win for de Minaur makes him the first Australian male to reach the fourth round of every grand slam in a calendar year since Lleyton Hewitt did so in 2004.
He becomes only the seventh Aussie man to achieve the feat in the Open era.
The win becomes even more impressive considering de Minaur is contesting his first tournament since he suffered a hip injury that forced him to withdraw from the Wimbledon quarter-finals.
“I’m super proud of what I’ve been able to achieve this year. It’s been tough coming back from injury,” said De Minaur.
“But look, I’m so happy to be back in New York playing these kinds of matches … let’s keep it going.”
De Minaur’s victory sets up a tantalising fourth round match-up with fellow Aussie Jordan Thompson who continued his stellar US Open form.
Thompson took care of 30th seeded Matteo Arnaldi in straight sets to advance into the fourth round without having dropped a set.
After losing the opening two sets, it appeared Arnaldi was on his way to taking the third when he went up 3-0, but the 30-year-old Aussie fought back and took care of business to claim the 7-5, 6-2, 7-6 (7-5) victory.
“It was a great match from me. The third round is pressure. I have not been there too much in my career,” Thompson said.
“I was getting a little bit agitated there but I dealt with it really well and came out on top.
“It is really pleasing to win under lights in New York on a Saturday night.”
It means at least one Australian male is guaranteed a spot in the quarter-finals with Alexei Popyrin also a chance when he takes on Frances Tiafoe in the fourth round.
The 28th seeded Popyrin advanced into the fourth round when he pulled off a stunning upset of Novak Djokovic.
Originally published as Alex de Minaur rewrites Aussie men’s tennis record books at US Open
New top Aussie out to ‘do damage’
Team captain Sam Stosur has made two big selection calls as Australia prepares for the Billie Jean King Cup finals in Spain.
New high for Aussie rising star
The first Australian to make a WTA 500 singles final since Ash Barty fell just short of victory but will walk away from Mexico with a special new title.