Alex de Minaur maintained his perfect record at the Australian Open against lower-ranked opponents by beating big hit Hamad Medjedovic over four sets to advance to the third round.
After being stunned by the world number 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 at Rod Laver Arena.
The 26-year-old advances to the third round at Melbourne Park for the sixth year in a row and De Minaur will next meet Frances Tiafoe after the American 29th seed defeated Argentine Francisco Comesana 6-4,6-3, 4-6. 6-2. The world number 6 has a perfect record of 18 from 18 against lower-ranked rivals in Melbourne, but did not have it all his way against the mighty Medjedovic.
“I weathered the storm,” De Minaur said. “He [Medjedovic] I played incredible tennis, served great, hit the ball from the baseline, really big and deep, and didn’t really let myself do much. Ultimately, a five-set match is a long match, so there will be a lot of opportunities. I took them and I’m super happy that I can fight my way through them.
As De Minaur rolled through the second set in 42 minutes, organizers failed to close the court roof before heavy rain arrived. The downpour forced play to be suspended for 30 minutes while the field was mopped and the roof was finally closed.
But the extended break failed to halt De Minaur’s momentum, with Medjedovic immediately dropping serve. When he reached the third round at Roland Garros last year, it was the 22-year-old Medjedovic’s first appearance in the main draw of the Australian Open.
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