Alex de Minaur maintained his perfect record at the Australian Open against lower-ranked opponents by outlasting the big-hitting Hamad Medjedovic over four sets and advancing to the third round.
After being stunned by the world No 90 in the first set, the Australian’s superior fitness and class came to the fore as he prevailed 6-7(5), 6-2, 6-2, 6-1 in three hours and four minutes on Rod Laver Arena.
The 26-year-old moves through to the third round at Melbourne Park for the sixth consecutive year and De Minaur will next meet Frances Tiafoe after the American 29th seed beat Argentina’s Francisco Comesana 6-4,6-3, 4-6. 6-2. The world No 6 boasts a perfect 18-from-18 record against lower-ranked rivals in Melbourne, but didn’t have it all his own way against the powerful Medjedovic.
“I weathered the storm,” De Minaur said. “He [Medjedovic] was playing some unbelievable tennis, serving great, hitting the ball from the baseline, really big and deep, and not really allowing me to do much. Ultimately, a five-set match is a long match, so there’s going to be lots of chances. I took them, and I’m super happy to battle my way through.”
When De Minaur rolled through the second set in 42 minutes, organisers did failed to shut the court roof before heavy rain arrived. The downpour forced play to be suspended for 30 minutes while the court was mopped up and the roof was at last closed.
But the extended break failed to halt De Minaur’s momentum, with Medjedovic immediately dropping serve. Reaching the third round at Roland Garros last year, this was the 22-year-old Medjedovic’s first appearance in the main draw of the Australian Open.
