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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.
De Minaur had to save a break point in the sixth game, and eventually was broken when serving for the set. A double fault from the Australian got Michelsen back on serve, and the world No 42 looked the better player in the tie-break.
But two points from claiming an unlikely set, the towering Michelsen was felled by an incisive blow from De Minaur. The American was in control of the crucial rally, but De Minaur landed an outstretched forehand pass from back right of court past an advancing Michelson just inside the opposite line. Then an ace at 215km/h returned momentum to De Minaur, who roared when he won the set to a standing ovation in Rod Laver Arena.
“I had my opportunities in the second set to maybe run away with that one as well and not let him in sight of the match, but I wasn’t able to close out, he obviously raised his level, and it made it a tough match, and that second set was pivotal,” said De Minaur. “I’m extremely happy I was able to bounce back after not a great game there to get broken and that second set was massive.”
A single break was enough for the Australian in the third set, even if De Minaur’s dominance of his first set was long forgotten. Again, serving for the set the Australian faced break point. This time he ended the resistance, thanks to another three Michelsen forehand errors.
Whatever happens on Wednesday, De Minaur has already achieved plenty at Melbourne Park, and his Australian Open will be considered a success. Nick Kyrgios was the last Australian man to reach the quarter-finals 10 years ago, and before that was Lleyon Hewitt a further decade back. With his win on Monday, De Minaur became only the eighth Australian man to reach the quarters at all four grand slams – and he has done it in the past 12 months.
In all likelihood that is where De Minaur’s run will end. Sinner, the defending champion, has beaten him in all nine of their meetings. The local hope, however, remains optimistic. “I’m looking forward to it. Obviously, it’s going to be an incredibly tough match. I’m going to have to do something that I haven’t done before, but why not start here?”
