Alex de Minaur brings new weapons to Australian Open as stakes rise
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Alex Michelsen awaits in the last 16 as home favourite looks to end run of defeats at this stage in Melbourne. Pressure has been stalking Alex de Minaur. Fuelled by the locals’ 49-year men’s singles drought at the Australian Open. Amplified by the No 8, next to his name in brackets. Anchored by the elimination of every one of his countrymen.
![[Jack Snape]](https://i.guim.co.uk/img/uploads/2023/07/11/Jack_Snape.png?width=75&dpr=1&s=none&crop=none)
Finally the pressure pounced, during an uncomfortable four-set victory over the 31st-seed Francisco Cerundolo on Saturday. “This was probably the first match that I’ve played here in Australia, where I didn’t feel comfortable,” the 25-year-old said. “I didn’t know what to do, and I just told myself I had to go out there and compete.”.
![[Alex de Minaur celebrates his victory over Francisco Cerundolo]](https://i.guim.co.uk/img/media/dc26152cbad55bce42aa1c3f6a5b67b5d1d7b4de/0_0_5460_3640/master/5460.jpg?width=445&dpr=1&s=none&crop=none)
It may be the first adversity the Australian has faced at Melbourne Park this year but, as he heads into the second week, the stakes will only rise. “A part of me knew that at some point there was going to always be a match where pressure was going to be there, and the nerves were going to be there, and the expectation was going to be there,” he said. “But I knew it was going to be a part of it, and I just told myself to to go out there and compete.”.
Once upon a time, De Minaur would have relied on his court coverage and return to force his opponents to beat him. Psychologically, he was the one applying the pressure. But as a top-10 player he can no longer be passive. Novak Djokovic, like many on the tour, has recognised De Minaur’s developing agency. There is now a “weapon” of a serve and an increasing propensity to approach the net. “We all know how good he’s defending,” the 24-time grand slam said. “But his offence has improved a lot.”.
