Alex de Minaur takes down former world No.1 Andy Murray in England

Alex de Minaur earnt praise from Nick Kyrgios after taking a big scalp as he prepares for Wimbledon.

Alex de Minaur has claimed a big scalp ahead of Wimbledon. Picture: Clive Brunskill/Getty Images

As Nick Kyrgios battles a knee issue heading in to Wimbledon, fellow Aussie Alex de Minaur laid down a marker with a Queen’s Club win over Andy Murray.

The Australian No.1 didn’t just beat the former world No.1, he trounced him 6-3 6-1 in London, ending Murray’s 10-match winning streak on grass in a positive sign for de Minaur ahead of the third grand slam of the year.

It was also a timely return to form for de Minaur, who had not scored a top-50 victory since his title-winning run at Acapulco in early March.

The victory, continuing de Minaur’s unbeaten run against Murray, even drew praise from Kyrgios.

“Muzz doesn’t like playing demon at all,” he posted on Twitter, having pulled out of an event in Germany to continue to rehab his own injured knee.

Muzz doesn’t like playing demon at all, crazy

— Nicholas Kyrgios (@NickKyrgios) June 20, 2023

Jordan Thompson made it a successful day in London for the Australians by defeating countryman Alexei Popyrin, who replaced Canadian Milos Raonic in the draw.

Former world No.3 Raonic withdrew with a shoulder injury and was replaced by lucky loser Popyrin.

“It’s tough playing another Aussie and not knowing I was playing him at the start of the day, but I think I dealt with that pretty well,” Thompson said after his 6-4 6-4 victory.

“The way (Popyrin) plays is not a huge adjustment to Raonic.

“It can throw you off a little bit but thankfully didn’t today.”

Wimbledon starts on July 3.