Alex de Minaur buries off-court demons in first round Wimbledon rout

Australia’s highest-ranked male, Alex de Minaur, has overcome a pre-tournament injury and publicised off-court distractions to blast his way into the second round at Wimbledon.

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Alex de Minaur has banished self-doubt and off-court distraction with a thumping first-round victory at Wimbledon, destroying French Open semi-finalist Marco Cecchinato in straight sets.

The 25th seed bulldozed Cecchinato 6-0 6-4 7-6 (7-5), proving his focus has returned after a difficult mid-season phase marred by injury and ructions away from tennis.

De Minaur revealed two weeks ago he was troubled by unspecified issues, which are believed to be related to his management structure.

Alex de Minaur crushed Marco Cecchinato. Picture: Getty

Revelling in warm, windy conditions, de Minaur won the opening nine games to lead by a set and 3-0 before Cecchinato mustered brief resistance.

But the Italian could not maintain momentum and de Minaur broke serve for the fifth time to pocket the second set.

The third set was more of an arm wrestle before de Minaur edged to victory in a tight tiebreak.

De Minaur was sidelined for eight weeks until May with osteitis pubis.

De Minaur left Marco Cecchinato on the floor. Picture: Getty

The Sydneysider showed he had lost none of his speed with astonishing court coverage – and plenty of grass stains from diving while retrieving.

Watched by Lleyton Hewitt and long-time coach Adolfo Gutierrez, de Minaur smothered the attacking Cecchinato into submission after 122 minutes.

De Minaur will face Steve Johnson for a place in the third round after the American ousted Spain’s Albert Ramos-Vinolas 6-4 6-2 6-3.

Originally published as Alex de Minaur buries off-court demons in first round Wimbledon rout