Alex de Minaur is poised and ready as he prepares for a challenging second-round match at Melbourne Park. Following an impressive first-round victory over Mackenzie McDonald, the Australian tennis star has solidified his status as a title contender and is fully aware of the threat posed by his next opponent, world No. 90 Hamad Medjedovic.
De Minaur, who ranks sixth globally, boasts an impressive track record, winning 17 consecutive matches against lower-ranked players in Melbourne. However, he remains cautious and is not taking Medjedovic lightly. The 22-year-old Serbian, known for his powerful serve and groundstrokes, has already made a name for himself by defeating significant opponents early in his career.
“He’s extremely talented and has a lot of firepower,” de Minaur remarked about Medjedovic. “It’s going to be up to me to neutralize as much as I can and hopefully not be a punching bag.”
Regarded as one of the fastest players on tour, de Minaur believes his speed and aggressive counter-punching will be key to outmaneuvering Medjedovic. He explained that his ability to hit flatter shots helps increase the pace of rallies, making it difficult for opponents to respond effectively. “Using my speed to take time away from my opponents is crucial, especially when rallies progress,” he stated., emphasizing the importance of court positioning.
Should de Minaur secure a win against Medjedovic, he will face either Frances Tiafoe, a dual grand slam semi-finalist, or Argentine Francisco Comesana in the third round. His route also includes potential encounters with 10th seed Alexander Bublik and world No. 1 Carlos Alcaraz, should he progress further in the tournament.
Other Australian players, including Jordan Thompson, Rinky Hijikata, Priscilla Hon, Storm Hunter, and Ajla Tomljanovic, are also set to compete in their second-round matches on Wednesday, providing a thrilling day for local tennis supporters.
With his unwavering focus and determination, de Minaur is ready to showcase his talent on the court and continue his pursuit of a grand title.