Alex de Minaur earns ultimate plaudits after taking down Daniil Medvedev at French Open

With Novak Djokovic a chance to withdraw and Alex de Minaur on top of his game, the Australian star received a big confidence boost from a beaten star in Paris.

Conquered grand slam tournament winner Daniil Medvedev says on current form Alex de Minaur “can beat anyone”, with the potential withdrawal of Novak Djokovic potentially opening the door for a 20-year French Open first for the Australian star.

After losing three of the final four sets against de Minaur at Roland Garros, and dismissing a blister on his foot as an excuse, Medvedev, a six-time grand slam finalist, said his Australian opponent produced skills he hadn’t seen in their previous encounters.

The win lifted de Minaur to number eight on the live rankings and set up a quarter-final showdown with Germany’s Alexander Zverev, who won a five-set battle over Holger Rune.

World No.1 Djokovic could be de Minaur’s semi-final opponent but revealed he could withdraw from his quarter-final clash against Casper Ruud after aggravating an existing knee injury.

Having already become the first Australian man to reach the French Open last eight since former world No.1 one Lleyton Hewitt in 2004, Medvedev, while reluctant to make de Minaur his pick to win, said the Aussie was showing enough to suggest he could also make a mark in Paris.

“Because today he played probably the best match we played,” said Medvedev, who lost for the third time against de Minaur in their first meeting on clay.

“I watched his matches on clay this year to try to see which tactic to play … but I didn’t see him play like this.

Making new friends at Roland-Garros 🧡@alexdeminaur got his number 1 fan from his 3rd round back to Roland-Garros for his R4 win against Medvedev!

L'instant détente avec Hespéride, avec la nouvelle amitié créée entre Alex De Minaur et Paul, son plus grand supporter 🍃… pic.twitter.com/qO5fd9pYCK

— Roland-Garros (@rolandgarros) June 3, 2024

“I mean, his serve today, he was serving better than most guys I played on clay, so that was surprising.

“Today he improved big time in every aspect. Then it comes to the point where we know that Alex can beat anyone – I think he did already beat Novak (Djokovic), everyone, Rafa on clay.

“But then it’s a question of whether you’re ready to do it week in, week out and become No.1 in the world, two in the world, three in the world.

“He’s close there, so he’s a top player, then it’s a question (of) what he does in quarters. If he plays the same like he played today, let’s see.”

But while he saw massive improvement in de Minaur, Medvedev wasn’t convinced the Aussie would be lifting the trophy.

“Predictions are a little bit disrespectful because when you say someone it’s like you’re a bit underestimating the other guys,” Medvedev said.

“At the moment, seeing Novak (Djokovic) struggling with his leg, I would say Carlos (Alcaraz) or Jannik (Sinner) because they are both playing good.

“They both have a slam, they have experience. They are in the top two, three in the world, so my opinion, Carlos or Jannik – but let’s see.”