Australian Open: Alex de Minaur equals career best performance as he moves in to the third round
There will be another Aussie playing at the Australian Open this weekend after a big day in Melbourne.
Alex de Minaur has matched his career-best Australian Open performance in reaching the third round in ruthless fashion as he eyes a deep run at Melbourne Park.
Poland’s Kamil Majchrzak, like de Minaur a former top-10 junior, was unable to mount a fight against Australia’s top-ranked man, who broke his rival early in each set en route to a 6-4 6-4 6-2 success.
There were no histrionics from the No.32 seed in a business-like display that booked him a clash with Spanish veteran Pablo Andujar.
Andujar won their only prior meeting four years ago in de Minaur’s other home in Alicante, Spain.
“I’m very happy, especially to get my first win ever on Rod Laver Arena at the Australian Open,” de Minaur said.
“I know Pablo very well, I’ve hit a lot with him, he’s a terrific competitor and he’s had some amazing wins.
“I’m just enjoying every second of it, keeping these positive vibes going and hopefully we can keep it going.”
âš¡ DEADLY DE MINAUR! âš¡
— Wide World of Sports (@wwos) January 20, 2022
The Demon is through to the third round! 👿#AusOpen - Live on Channel 9 and 9Now pic.twitter.com/8lLlcILkaR
After struggling in the second half of last year with the after-effects of Covid-19, de Minaur has returned to his best in the past three weeks.
There was a season-opening upset of top-10 Italian Matteo Berrettini at the ATP Cup, along with another over tough Frenchman Ugo Humbert before he skipped the Sydney Tennis Classic.
“I just knew that as soon as Davis Cup was done for me (in December), it was time to get back on the grind,” de Minaur said.
“I had a little bit of a down year last year, so I really wanted to make up for it.
“I made sure to really work hard in the off-season to be in the best shape I’ve ever been in my career and hard work pays off.
“I’m happy to be able to play well and hopefully let my fitness do the talking.”
De Minaur made the round of 32 in 2019 and last year.
