De Minaur to face Sinner after reaching Australian Open last eight for first time
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Local fans have been given reason to dream of success this year at Melbourne Park after Alex de Minaur delivered a largely dominant victory over the American Alex Michelsen to reach the quarter-finals at the Australian Open for the first time. The eighth seed was in eye-opening form early in the 6-0, 7-6 (5), 6-3 result on Rod Laver Arena, issuing a warning to the rest of the draw – and especially his next opponent, the world No 1 Jannik Sinner – that he means business at his home grand slam.
But he also proved he can tough it out in a 129-minute slugfest against Michelsen, who looked certain to win the crucial second set until a late rally from the home favourite. “I’m glad I finally made it to the quarter-finals here,” said De Minaur. “But yeah, let’s go for bigger and better things.”.
An Australian has not won the men’s singles at Melbourne Park since Mark Edmondson in 1976, but De Minaur is shaping up as a legitimate threat in the final eight, especially as Sinner struggled in the heat in his victory over Holger Rune earlier on Monday.
Early in this encounter, De Minaur’s serve was not finding its mark but such was his all-around effectiveness it mattered little. The Australian won 27 points to 13 in a one-sided first set marked by 12 unforced errors on Michelsen’s forehand. Michelsen resembled a fawn, all awkward limbs facing a barrage of serves at his body.
The Australian appeared to be sailing into the quarters until Michelsen returned fire, punching a hole in the De Minaur hull with a volley of heavy groundstrokes. Once the American registered his first game midway through the second set after 41 minutes, De Minaur faced a reborn opponent. The 20-year-old began to show why he is one of the youngest players ranked in the top 50 as he found his range with his powerful forehand and backhand.
